Key facts
- States are increasingly enacting regulations for artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump's efforts to deter them.
- Trump issued an executive order aiming to challenge state AI laws and prevent overly burdensome regulations.
- Legislation in states like Illinois, California, and New York focuses on developer accountability and preventing AI-caused catastrophes.
- New laws in states such as Colorado and Connecticut address transparency in AI decision-making and restrictions on chatbot interactions, especially with children.
- Federal action on AI regulation has stalled, leading states to fill the regulatory gap.
Despite President Donald Trump's directive for states not to regulate artificial intelligence, numerous states are forging ahead with legislation. Trump had warned states against enacting regulations that could hinder the industry's development, issuing an executive order to challenge 'minimally burdensome' laws and potentially restrict federal funding for states with such measures. However, states appear undeterred, with more AI-related bills introduced this year than in previous ones.
States are focusing on more targeted regulations, addressing areas like how AI chatbots interact with children, how employers use AI systems, and the accountability of AI developers. Illinois is considering a bill that would require AI developers to undergo independent audits to ensure compliance with their own policies, a move seen as increasing developer accountability. This follows similar legislation passed in California and New York that mandates protocols to prevent AI-driven catastrophes.
Several states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oregon, are implementing laws to enhance transparency and restrict chatbot interactions, particularly with minors. Connecticut, for instance, enacted provisions for companion chatbots that prohibit interactions with individuals under 18 unless specific safety measures and parental controls are in place. Colorado requires companies to disclose when AI is used to influence decisions in critical areas like employment, education, housing, and banking.
State lawmakers, including Illinois State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, have expressed confidence in their state's independence and willingness to address AI regulation, signaling a bipartisan effort to fill the regulatory void left by federal inaction. The trend of states enacting AI legislation is expected to continue.