AI regulation ban meets opposition from state attorneys general over risks to U.S. consumers

A Republican proposal to block states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years drew opposition.

A U.S. Republican proposal to block states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years drew opposition on Friday from a bipartisan group of attorneys general in California, New York, Ohio and other states that have regulated high-risk uses of the technology.

The measure included in U.S. President Donald Trump's tax cut bill would preempt AI laws and regulations passed recently in dozens of states.

A group of 40 state attorneys general, including Republicans from Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Utah and Virginia and other states, urged Congress to ditch the measure on Friday, as the U.S. House of Representatives' budget committee geared up for a Sunday night hearing.

"Imposing a broad moratorium on all state action, while Congress fails to act in this area is irresponsible and deprives consumers of reasonable protections," said the group.

The attorney general from California, which is home to prominent AI companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Anthropic, was among the Democrats who signed the letter.

"I strongly oppose any effort to block states from developing and enforcing common-sense regulation; states must be able to protect their residents by responding to emerging and evolving AI technology," Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

California implemented a raft of bills this year limiting specific uses of AI, illustrating the kind of laws that would be blocked under the moratorium.