House GOP Proposes 10-Year Ban on State AI Regulations

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has introduced a bill that seeks to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for the next ten years, according to The Hill. This proposal aligns with the Trump administration's emphasis on fostering AI innovation rather than imposing regulatory constraints.

The bill, part of a broader tax initiative, aims to bar states from enforcing laws or regulations on AI models, systems, or automated decision systems. However, it allows for certain exemptions, such as laws that facilitate AI deployment or streamline procedures like licensing and permitting.

This legislative move comes as states have been actively pursuing their own AI regulations, with nearly 700 AI-related bills considered last year. The bill reflects concerns from tech executives who argue that a patchwork of state laws could increase costs and hinder innovation. Meanwhile, proponents of state-level regulation argue for the necessity of laws to ensure AI safety and prevent misuse.

House Energy and Commerce Committee will debate the bill, which is unlikely to be included in the tax bill due to procedural constraints. Nonetheless, it highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between innovation and regulation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.