New Republican Bill Would Block States From Regulating AI for a Decade

New Republican Bill Would Block States From Regulating AI for a Decade

A controversial new proposal from House Republicans would bar states and local governments from passing their own laws to regulate artificial intelligence for the next 10 years, sparking a national debate over how AI should be governed in the U.S.

The proposed legislation, tucked inside a broader Republican-backed budget package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” would create a sweeping federal ban on state-level rules that cover AI and automated decision-making tools. If passed, the measure would centralize authority over AI regulation in Washington, overriding any existing or future laws passed by individual states.

Supporters of the proposal say it’s necessary to prevent a patchwork of conflicting rules that could slow down innovation and complicate compliance for tech companies. Republican lawmakers like Rep. Jay Obernolte argue that only a unified national approach can keep the U.S. competitive in the global AI race.

But the measure is facing intense opposition from civil rights groups, some Democrats, and state leaders. Critics warn that stripping states of their power to act could delay important protections for the public — especially in high-stakes areas like hiring algorithms, facial recognition, housing applications, and eligibility for government services. States like California, Connecticut, and Colorado have already passed AI laws aimed at curbing bias and increasing transparency, and this bill could roll them back.

Tech giants including OpenAI, Meta, and Google’s parent company Alphabet support the idea of federal leadership on AI, and some have pushed for Congress to override state laws. They argue that a single set of national rules would reduce regulatory confusion and encourage more investment in AI research and development.

Still, not everyone in the GOP is on board. Senator Josh Hawley, a frequent critic of Big Tech, has pushed back against the bill, calling it a threat to state sovereignty and individual liberties. Others, like Senator Ted Cruz, back the idea, comparing it to the light-touch federal approach that helped the internet flourish in the 1990s.

The bill still has a long way to go. It would need to make it through multiple House committees and survive scrutiny in the Senate, especially since budget bills have strict rules about what types of policy can be included.

As the conversation continues, one thing is clear: the outcome of this legislative battle could define who gets to shape the rules for AI in America — and how soon.