A growing coalition of state attorneys general is once again challenging efforts in Washington, D.C., that could prevent states from creating their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws.
Their message is clear: states must retain the authority to respond quickly to the risks and opportunities created by rapidly advancing AI systems.
States Oppose Possible Federal Restrictions on AI Oversight
A bipartisan group of attorneys general — including Nick Brown of Washington and Raul Labrador of Idaho — is urging Congress not to move forward with a proposal that would forbid states from implementing AI regulations.
Letter Sent to Congressional Leaders
On Tuesday, 36 attorneys general submitted a formal letter asking congressional leaders to reject any provision in the upcoming military funding bill that would impose a nationwide ban on state-level AI regulation.
The letter calls for cooperation rather than restriction, stating that the federal government should work with states to create effective, accountable rules.
“If Congress is serious about addressing the new realities of AI, the states stand ready to collaborate on real solutions,” the letter notes. “AI will reshape public safety, national security, the economy, and health — and the nation must be prepared for this shift.”
Previous Attempts to Limit State AI Regulation
This is not the first time states have pushed back against federal efforts.
Earlier this year, attorneys general raised concerns over a similar clause in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which originally included language that would have blocked state regulation of AI for 10 years. That restriction was later removed after an amendment introduced by Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington.
Patchwork of State AI Laws Continues to Grow
Even though Congress has not passed comprehensive AI legislation, states are moving ahead independently.
Rapid Rise in State-Level AI Bills
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, state lawmakers introduced more than 1,000 AI-related bills during the 2025 legislative sessions.
In Washington state alone, lawmakers filed at least 22 measures seeking to control AI in areas like scientific research, housing, and other sectors.
Sen. Cantwell noted in June that 24 states adopted new AI laws in 2024, contributing to the growing patchwork of regulations. Washington was one of them, launching an AI task force inside the attorney general’s office to analyze the impact of emerging AI tools.
States Stress Need for Local Authority
The attorneys general emphasize that while AI has vast benefits, it also presents significant risks — especially for vulnerable populations, including children.
The letter argues:
“AI’s potential comes with serious dangers. States must remain free to enforce existing laws and create new protections as needed.”
States Acting Independently
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador highlighted that his state has already enacted a law banning AI-generated child sexual abuse material, resulting in a felony conviction.
Labrador stated firmly:
“I will never support the federal government dictating how states protect their people. AI can be exploited in dangerous ways, and states must be allowed to act.”
White House Drafts Executive Order Limiting State Authority
In contrast to state efforts, the White House has been reviewing an executive order aimed at reducing state-level regulation.
Although the order has not been finalized, it argues that the growing number of state AI rules could weaken the innovation ecosystem of U.S. AI companies. Reuters reported that the order is currently on hold.
National Framework Proposed
The draft states:
“It is the policy of the United States to support America’s global AI leadership through a minimal, consistent national policy.”
The order also proposes:
- Creating a federal AI litigation task force to challenge state laws
- Allowing the government to withhold funding from states with conflicting regulations
Trump Calls for Unified Federal Standards
Last week, President Donald Trump called on lawmakers to include federal AI rules in a separate bill or within the National Defense Authorization Act. He warned that varied state approaches could impact innovation.
Trump stated that state-by-state rules risk weakening the country’s tech progress and insisted that the U.S. must adopt one consistent national framework instead of “a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.”
The debate over who should regulate artificial intelligence — states or the federal government — continues to intensify. As AI expands across industries and daily life, state officials argue that local governments need flexibility to respond quickly to both risks and opportunities.
Meanwhile, federal leaders express concern that too many different rules could hinder innovation and national competitiveness. The coming months will determine whether the U.S. moves toward a unified national AI policy or maintains the current system led by individual states.
