California lawmakers are urging Congress to protect the state’s authority to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) as new state laws are set to take effect in January. In a letter sent Monday (December 15), 20 Democratic state legislators asked California’s congressional delegation to oppose any federal bills that would override state AI regulations. They also expressed concern over recent actions by President Donald Trump to challenge state-level AI laws. The lawmakers emphasized that California’s regulations balance innovation and safety, and they called for a partnership that respects state authority.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the letter was led by State Senator Scott Wiener, who advocated for a law requiring risk mitigation protocols for large AI companies. Other signatories included Senator Steve Padilla and several Bay Area Assembly members. The letter comes as President Trump signed an executive order on December 11, aiming to establish federal supremacy over state AI regulation. The order directs federal agencies to challenge state AI laws, which the administration views as burdensome and counterproductive.
Greenberg Traurig reported that the executive order seeks to preempt state AI laws unless they address specific areas like children’s safety and state government use of AI. The order also threatens to withhold broadband funding from states that continue to regulate AI independently.
California, which has enacted more AI regulations than any other state since 2016, could be significantly impacted by the order. The state is home to leading AI companies such as Google and OpenAI. CalMatters noted that the executive order has sparked opposition from California officials and industry leaders who fear it could undermine the state’s regulatory efforts.
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