AI Power Grab? New Bill Sparks Backlash from Advocacy Groups

Congress Eyes a National AI Rulebook

House Republicans have introduced a sweeping bill that would give the federal government, specifically the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), near-exclusive authority to regulate artificial intelligence. The proposed legislation would override state-level AI laws, effectively barring individual states from implementing their own rules on how AI is developed and deployed. Proponents argue this would prevent a patchwork of conflicting state laws and promote uniform standards for innovation. However, the move arrives as various states ramp up their own regulatory efforts, including landmark AI bills in places like California and Illinois. The bill is seen by its sponsors as a pro-business, pro-innovation initiative aimed at ensuring the U.S. remains globally competitive in AI development.

Opposition Mounts Over Loss of State Oversight

More than 100 civil rights, labor, and tech advocacy organizations, including the ACLU and Public Citizen, have come out against the proposed bill. In a letter to Congress, they argue the legislation would dangerously erode consumer protections at the state level and grant too much power to federal regulators—who they fear may be too closely aligned with Big Tech interests. Critics warn that preempting state authority could stifle grassroots efforts to hold companies accountable for potentially discriminatory or harmful AI applications. Instead, they advocate for a framework that empowers both federal and state governments to regulate AI in a collaborative way, ensuring both innovation and accountability.