Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Hundreds of state lawmakers, both Republican and Democratic, are calling on Congress to reject a national defense bill provision that would strip their powers over artificial intelligence.
The provision, which would preempt existing state laws that regulate AI, is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. In a letter dated Tuesday, the bipartisan group of more than 200 state legislators urged lawmakers in both the House and the Senate to allow states to regulate AI, or risk "setting back progress."
"A blanket prohibition on state and local AI and automated decision-system regulation would abruptly cut off active democratic debate in statehouses and impose a sweeping pause on policymaking at the very moment when communities are seeking responsive solutions," the state lawmakers wrote.
"We appreciate congressional engagement on AI and stand ready to collaborate on thoughtful national policy," they added. "But after years without comprehensive federal action on privacy and social media harms, a broad preemption of state and local AI laws until Congress acts would set back progress and undercut existing protections."
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