House Debates 10-Year Moratorium on State AI Laws

Congress is debating a proposed 10-year moratorium that would prevent states from enacting or enforcing their own AI regulations, sparking significant controversy. House Republicans argue that the moratorium is essential to protect innovation and keep the U.S. competitive globally, warning that heavy regulations could cede AI leadership to countries like China. Conversely, Democrats, state attorneys general, and advocacy groups strongly oppose the measure, viewing it as a gift to Big Tech that would strip states of their ability to protect consumers from AI-related harms and create regulatory chaos. Critics highlight that states have already enacted important AI safeguards, and the moratorium would halt dynamic, responsive regulation at a critical time when federal legislation remains lacking. Supporters of a national approach emphasize the benefits of a unified regulatory framework to foster innovation and avoid a patchwork of conflicting state laws. The debate centers on balancing innovation with consumer protection as AI's transformative potential grows, with over 1,000 AI bills introduced at the state level recently underscoring the urgency of clear governance.