Republican legislators are attempting to establish a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations through a budget reconciliation bill. This proposal would effectively prevent states from enacting or enforcing laws related to a broad spectrum of automated computing systems, impacting areas from AI chatbots to online search results.
Critics, primarily Democrats and organizations like Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), argue that the ban would disproportionately benefit large technology companies while potentially endangering the public. The proposed legislation would restrict states’ ability to regulate the design, performance, liability, and documentation of AI models and automated decision-making systems used in various digital services, including healthcare and information access.
In the 2025 legislative session alone, states introduced over 500 AI-related bills addressing issues like chatbot safety for minors, deepfake detection, and transparency in AI-driven political advertising. Several states have already enacted AI legislation focusing on AI-generated likeness protection, AI use disclosures, and safeguarding against algorithmic discrimination.
The Verge initially reported on the GOP’s effort and its potential ramifications for states seeking to govern the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.