House Passes Bill Blocking State AI Regulations for Decade

President Donald Trump's "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" includes a controversial provision that would ban state regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) for ten years, sparking widespread concern from various organizations and state officials. Proponents argue that a unified federal framework is necessary to avoid a fragmented patchwork of state laws, which they believe could hinder interstate commerce and AI development. However, over 140 organizations, including tech worker unions, civil rights groups, and academic institutions, have urged House leaders to reject this provision, warning that it would remove accountability for AI companies and jeopardize consumer protections, civil rights, and privacy. State attorneys general and numerous advocacy groups argue the moratorium could lead to significant harms, such as discriminatory algorithms, fraud, and threats to critical infrastructure. While the bill has advanced through the House Budget Committee, it faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, especially if the AI regulation clause is deemed a non-budgetary policy matter. Meanwhile, other AI-related legislation like the Take it Down Act, signed into law by Trump, addresses abuses such as nonconsensual AI-generated pornography, highlighting ongoing efforts to regulate specific AI harms amidst broader debates over AI governance.