Artificial intelligence regulation is returning to the hands of the states, as the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly voted to remove a 10-year federal moratorium from President Trump’s comprehensive tax and spending bill. The 99-1 decision on Tuesday empowers states to regulate AI independently, signaling a significant shift in federal-state dynamics regarding emerging technologies.
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn played a pivotal role in the successful removal of the ban, introducing an amendment during a marathon “vote-a-rama” session. This action demonstrates a strong legislative will to allow states to tailor AI policies to their specific needs and concerns, particularly in the absence of comprehensive federal oversight.
Initially, the Senate’s of the bill would have had a softer impact, merely restricting states with AI regulations from accessing a new $500 million fund for AI infrastructure. The complete removal of the ban, however, grants states unfettered authority, removing any federal financial or regulatory impediments to their AI initiatives.
While prominent AI companies like Alphabet’s Google and OpenAI have expressed support for a unified federal regulatory approach to minimize innovation hurdles, Senator Blackburn emphasized the immediate need for state action. She argued that “The current language is not acceptable to those who need these protections the most.”
