A Republican plan to stop states from passing their own AI rules just passed an important step in the Senate.
What’s This All About?
On Saturday, a new proposal took a step forward in the Senate. The goal? To stop individual states from creating or enforcing their own artificial intelligence laws for the next 10 years.
Instead of directly banning state laws, the plan would cut off broadband funding to any state that tries to enforce AI regulations during that time.
The idea was rewritten by Senator Ted Cruz to make sure it fits Senate rules. That rewrite helped the bill avoid a filibuster — meaning it could pass with just a simple majority, even without Democratic support.
Wait, Does This Mean States Can’t Regulate AI?
If this becomes law, yes — for the next decade, any state that tries to regulate AI could lose access to federal broadband money. That would put serious pressure on governors and state lawmakers to back off.
Supporters say it’s necessary to avoid a messy mix of rules across 50 states. But critics believe this could strip states of their power to protect their own people.
What’s the Debate?
Not everyone is on the same page — even inside the Republican Party.
Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee isn’t convinced. She said:
“We do not need a moratorium that would prohibit our states from stepping up and protecting citizens in their state.”
Over in the House, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also pushed back. She called the proposal a “violation of state rights” and said the Senate needs to take it out of the bill.
But House Speaker Mike Johnson defended it, saying former President Donald Trump supports the plan. He warned that if every state writes its own rules for AI, it could hurt national security.
What Could This Bill Actually Do?
If passed, here’s what the bill would mean:
- No state AI rules for 10 years.
- Broadband funding would be pulled from states that try.
- The federal government would likely become the only authority on AI laws.
- There’s no clear plan for what those federal rules would be yet.
Advocacy Groups Are Worried
A group called Americans for Responsible Innovation — which supports smart AI laws — says the bill is too broad.
In a recent report, they warned:
- It could stop laws that protect people from harmful AI use.
- It might also erase rules about how companies use algorithms or automate decisions.
- And there’s no federal law to replace what would be lost.
Basically, they say the bill could create a gap in protections with no backup plan.
What Are States Doing Right Now?
Several states are already moving on their own AI laws — and each is taking a different path:
- California’s Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed one major AI bill but signed smaller laws on privacy and deepfakes.
- New York lawmakers passed an AI safety bill that’s waiting on Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.
- Utah has already passed a law focused on AI transparency — making companies explain how their systems work.
So while Congress is still figuring things out, states are already acting on AI concerns.
In Summary — Here’s What You Should Know
- A Senate proposal would block states from passing AI laws for 10 years.
- States that try anyway could lose federal broadband funds.
- The bill is advancing with only Republican support so far.
- Some GOP members and advocacy groups are pushing back.
- States like California, Utah, and New York are already working on their own AI rules.
Final Thoughts
AI is moving fast, and governments are racing to keep up. But this new Senate plan shows that not everyone agrees on who should lead the charge.
Should AI laws be written in Washington — or should states be allowed to decide for themselves?
This debate isn’t over. And as the bill moves forward, it could shape how AI is regulated in the U.S. for years to come.