In one paragraph
The federal S. 3586 (AI for Mainstreet Act) would amend section 21(c)(3) of the Small Business Act to add to the functions of small business development centers assisting small business concerns in evaluating artificial intelligence concerning operations, including information, guidance and training on AI best practices and on incorporating AI into operations, plus outreach to the extent practical. No additional amounts would be authorized. Introduced January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee; no further action.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill is pending. No duties for businesses; small business development centers would provide AI guidance and training that small businesses could use.
Key provisions
- Sec. 2(a) adds a new subparagraph (W) to section 21(c)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(c)(3)): assisting small business concerns in evaluating artificial intelligence concerning operations
- That help includes information, guidance and training on best practices for using AI, using AI to plan for unexpected circumstances, protect data and intellectual property, improve cybersecurity, facilitate regulatory compliance and improve customer trust, and incorporating AI into business operations
- It also includes outreach to small business concerns on the use of AI, to the extent practical
- Sec. 2(b) adds a definition of artificial intelligence by reference to section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401)
- Sec. 2(c): no additional amounts are authorized to carry out the Act; the text has no deadlines or penalties
- Introduced in the Senate January 7, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Latest legislative action
Jan 7, 2026. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Jon Husted R | Sponsor | SD-OH |
| Maria Cantwell D | Sponsor | SD-WA |
| Mark Kelly D | Sponsor | SD-AZ |
| Todd Young R | Sponsor | SD-IN |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error