Congress Debates 10-Year Ban on State AI Rules

Congress is debating a provision in President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' that would prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years, with supporters arguing this would foster innovation and avoid a complex patchwork of state laws. Opponents from both parties argue the provision represents federal overreach and undermines states' rights. States like Texas, California, and New York are advancing their own AI regulations, raising concerns about compliance burdens and potential impacts on innovation. In healthcare, a Bipartisan Policy Center report notes that many AI tools fall outside FDA oversight and are subject to inconsistent federal and state rules, highlighting broader regulatory fragmentation. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is focusing on AI implementation and is largely unconcerned by the federal preemption proposal, aiming to position her state as a leader in applied AI. The debate reflects ongoing tensions between innovation, public safety, and the division of regulatory authority in the evolving AI landscape.