The US Senate, in bipartisan efforts, rejected a sweeping attempt to block state and local governments from regulating AI, reaffirming their authority to protect residents amid rapidly evolving technology.
As covered in a Government Technology article, the US Senate overwhelmingly voted to remove a proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level artificial intelligence regulations from the One Big, Beautiful Bill budget legislation. The provision, which would have blocked states and local governments from enforcing or enacting AI laws, faced strong bipartisan opposition for preempting state and local governments and undermining existing protections.
As previously covered by MACo, this provision would have directly undercut Maryland’s existing AI laws. It would have also prevented counties from adopting or enforcing local policies in response to emerging threats, constituent concerns, or service innovations involving AI.
From the article:
The AI provision was removed early Tuesday following a 99-1 Senate vote. The act now returns to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
Support for removing the ban came from across the political spectrum. Critics warned the measure would create legal uncertainty and stall meaningful safeguards, especially in the absence of comprehensive federal AI rules.
