Senate Advances Moratorium on State AI Regulation

A Republican initiative aimed at preventing states from implementing their own AI regulations has passed a significant procedural hurdle. Led by Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz, the plan would block federal broadband funding to states that attempt to enforce AI regulations over the next decade. The Senate Parliamentarian deemed this provision compliant with budgetary rules, allowing it to pass with a simple majority and bypass a filibuster. However, Republican support remains uncertain, with some dissenters like Senator Marsha Blackburn expressing concerns about state rights. House Speaker Mike Johnson supports the provision, citing national security concerns. The proposal has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, warning it may create a regulatory vacuum by eliminating state-level protections without federal alternatives. Meanwhile, several states like California, New York, and Utah are advancing their own AI regulations, illustrating a growing state-level push for governance in this area.

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