Key Takeaways:
- House Republicans added a provision to a budget bill to stop states from regulating AI for a decade.
- This could overturn existing AI laws in states like California and New York.
- The ban would also halt upcoming AI rules set to take effect in 2026.
- States may lose control over how they use federal AI funding.
House Republicans Push to Stop States From Regulating AI
In a surprising move, House Republicans added a new rule to a major budget bill last Sunday night. This rule would stop state and local governments from regulating artificial intelligence for the next 10 years. The idea, proposed by Representative Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, is part of the Budget Reconciliation bill.
If passed, this rule would block states from enforcing any laws or regulations related to AI systems. This includes laws that are already in place and new ones that are set to start soon. For example, California has a law requiring healthcare providers to tell patients when they use AI to communicate. Under this new rule, California couldn’t enforce that law anymore.
What This Means for States
This change could have big effects on how states handle AI. Here are a few examples:
- California’s AI Healthcare Law: California passed a law saying healthcare providers must disclose when they use generative AI to talk to patients. If this rule passes, California couldn’t enforce that law anymore.
- New York’s AI Bias Audits: In 2021, New York passed a law requiring companies to check AI tools used in hiring for bias. This rule would stop that law from being enforced.
- Upcoming California AI Law: California has a law set to start in 2026 that requires AI developers to share the data used to train their models. This rule would stop that law before it even begins.
States Could Lose Control Over AI Funding
This rule could also affect how states use federal money for AI programs. Right now, states decide how to use federal funds for AI projects. But if this rule passes, they might lose that control. For example, states might not be able to fund AI education programs that don’t align with the White House’s priorities.
The Bigger Picture
This move by House Republicans shows a growing debate over how much control states should have over AI. Some argue that states should be able to make their own rules to protect their citizens. Others, like the Republicans behind this rule, seem to think that too many regulations could slow down AI development.
The future of this rule is still unclear. It’s just one part of a larger budget bill, and it’s not certain if it will pass. But if it does, it could change how AI is regulated across the country for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.