An attempt by the Republicans to stop states from implementing their own regulations on AI made progress over the weekend.
Several states are moving forward with AI regulations. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom rejected a significant AI safety bill while approving less controversial regulations on issues such as privacy and deepfakes. In New York, a bill on AI safety passed by state lawmakers is awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. Utah has also implemented its regulations on AI transparency.
The new rule, which was altered by Ted Cruz, the head of the Senate Commerce Committee, to adhere to budget restrictions, states that states would lose federal broadband funding if they try to enforce AI regulations over the next decade.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the moratorium, highlighting President Trump’s support and arguing, “We can’t have 50 different states regulating AI given the national security implications, right?”
The updated version has been given the green light by the Senate Parliamentarian, meaning it can be included in the Republicans’ “One Big, Beautiful Bill” and passed with a simple majority. This will avoid being blocked by a filibuster and won’t need the support of Senate Democrats.
Although the House of Representatives already approved a bill with an AI regulation pause, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene strongly opposes this provision, labeling it as a violation of state rights that should be removed by the Senate.
However, it’s uncertain how many Republicans will back the moratorium. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has voiced her opposition, saying, “We shouldn’t prevent states from protecting their citizens.”
In a recent report, Americans for Responsible Innovation, an organization advocating for AI regulations, warned that the proposed rule could eliminate a wide array of state laws regulating AI and other algorithm-based technologies without offering federal replacements.
