AI-Centered Legislations Sparks Debate Between Governments

Sienna Smith ‘27

Editor

New AI regulation policies have sparked debates between the federal government and state governments about the nature of certain policies. While a recent framework from the White House has attempted to discourage states from regulating AI, multiple state governments, notably California’s governor Gavin Newsom, have spoken out against this.

President Trump believes that regulating AI could limit its full potential. According to PBS, “Four states — Colorado, California, Utah and Texas — have already passed laws that set some rules for Al across the private sector, but the White House is calling for "strong federal leadership" to make sure the public can trust how Al is being used in their lives.”

In response, Newsom signed an executive order protecting Californians from AI agencies. In a statement, Newsom wrote “In the wrong hands, innovation can be misused in ways that put people at risk.”

PBS also argues that the success of AI legislation in Congress depends heavily on support from Republicans in both chambers. The discussion of AI in the United States could soon impact whether AI continues as a sparsely regulated industry, or if stricter laws begin to limit the developing intelligence.