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RealPage, a software firm previously accused of rent price collusion, is now facing scrutiny from Democratic senators over its alleged lobbying efforts to restrict states’ ability to regulate artificial intelligence. A letter was sent to RealPage CEO Dana Jones requesting details on the company’s potential involvement in a provision included in a Republican budget bill. This provision aims to preempt state laws that impact AI or automated decision-making systems for a decade. Concerned senators believe this could severely impede efforts to prevent RealPage’s algorithms from artificially inflating rental prices. Several cities and states are already exploring regulations on rent-setting software. The senators highlight a perceived increase in RealPage’s lobbying expenditures, linking it to legislative challenges to its business at the local level.