House Republicans are planning to revisit efforts to override state laws related to artificial intelligence (AI). A previous attempt to enact such a measure stalled earlier this year. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has indicated he may propose adding provisions to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit state-level AI regulations.
On the same day, former President Donald Trump urged Congress to create standardized federal AI regulations, emphasizing the need to avoid a fragmented regulatory landscape among the states. He stated that without a unified federal approach, the U.S. risks falling behind in the AI race against countries like China.
Incorporating amendments into the NDAA is a common legislative strategy, as it is viewed as a critical bill that lawmakers are likely to pass. However, specific details on the new proposed language remain unclear. A prior version of the legislation, which included a five-year moratorium on state AI laws, faced significant opposition, with nearly all senators rejecting it during a vote this summer.
Concerns raised by lawmakers previously focused on the length of the proposed moratorium and the possibility of the language being overly broad, potentially affecting various tech regulations, including those related to children’s online safety. Both Republican and Democratic states have implemented AI-related laws that could be rendered ineffective if Congress decides to move ahead with a federal preemption.
Supporters of the moratorium, including groups like NetChoice, argue that diverse state regulations could stifle innovation in the emerging AI sector and diminish U.S. competitiveness on a global scale. Further details regarding the NDAA are anticipated before the Thanksgiving holiday, with a vote expected in December.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/823650/ai-moratorium-house-gop-scalise