Nuked 
Hello everyone! Today, I’ve got a fascinating tech story for you, filled with politics and AI intrigue. Let’s dive into this exciting news!
Last Sunday, House Republicans introduced a new twist in AI regulation. They added a clause to the budget bill that would prevent all state and local governments from legislating or regulating AI for a whole decade. Yep, ten years of no oversight on AI by US states.
This plan, put forth by Representative Brett Guthrie from Kentucky, states that no state agency or local authority can enforce any law related to AI during this period. What does that mean? All existing and upcoming laws meant to protect people from AI risks could become invalid or unenforceable. For example, California’s recent law requiring health providers to disclose AI use in patient communication might be rendered useless. Similarly, New York’s 2021 law about bias audits in hiring AI tools could lose its teeth.
The bill also threatens to halt California’s 2026 legislation that mandates transparency about training data used for AI models. Furthermore, it might limit how states can allocate federal AI funds or develop their own oversight programs, possibly clashing with federal priorities. This could impact many initiatives, including those aimed at regulating AI or ensuring its safe use.
The provision is part of a broader bill focusing mainly on healthcare reforms, but the AI regulation ban adds a significant layer of controversy. Critics, including some Democratic voices and tech safety groups, argue it favors Big Tech and could leave consumers vulnerable to AI-related harms like deepfakes and bias. Representative Jan Schakowsky called the move a “giant gift to Big Tech,” highlighting concerns over reduced protections for citizens.
This move ticks off the usual suspects—industry players with close ties to higher-ups, including Elon Musk and Sam Altman, who have also engaged with the Trump administration on AI initiatives. The restriction may prevent states from using federal funds for AI oversight or diverging from the federal government’s deregulatory stance, shaping how AI governance unfolds across the country.
That’s a quick overview of a big political game involving AI regulation, lawmakers, and tech giants. Stay tuned, because AI policy is changing fast and this story is just getting started!
