Protect State-Level AI Regulation (UPDATED 12/15)

Updates

December 15, 2025: Trump has signed an executive order that aims to block state-level regulation of AI, though the federal executive branch does not have legal authority to do so. Congressional Republicans failed to sneak similar language into law through the NDAA. While states will certainly challenge the legality of this order, Congress must work to pass strong and effective regulation of AI at the federal level instead of hindering the safeguards put in place by the states.

In June, Republicans attempted to add language to H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, to prohibit state governments from making or enforcing any laws regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for the next 10 years. The provision was stripped from the bill before passage, but now, House Republicans have renewed their effort to block all state-level AI regulation by introducing it as an amendment to the annual, must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December.

While the plan to add this language to the NDAA has been met with substantial opposition and does not look likely to proceed, the Trump administration will undoubtedly continue to pressure congressional Republicans to pass a legislative ban. The Trump administration has also drafted an executive order to challenge state AI laws. The order would create an “AI Litigation Task Force” to sue states that have regulated AI, and it would direct the Commerce Department to withhold broadband internet funding if a state has a contested AI law.

More than 30 states have passed laws that regulate dangerous aspects of AI, such as the creation of deepfakes and nonconsensual/child pornography. With a federal moratorium, these laws could not be enforced. This preemption would give unprecedented power to big tech companies and risk the rights and vital protections of U.S. consumers. Demand that your representatives oppose any inclusion of this destructive provision to legislation and condemn the Trump administration’s authoritarian threats to state laws.