Source: Reuters

The US Senate has removed a provision from a sweeping federal bill that would have prohibited states from enacting their own artificial intelligence regulations. This reversal restores state authority to pass independent laws on AI oversight, marking a significant shift in the federal-state balance of regulatory power.

The change comes amid heated debate in Congress over the best approach to AI governance, with some lawmakers favoring a uniform federal standard and others defending states’ rights to address local risks and needs. The removal of the ban is seen as a victory for states seeking more flexibility and the ability to respond to rapidly evolving technologies.

This decision is expected to lead to a diverse landscape of AI laws across the US, increasing legal complexity but also encouraging innovation and responsiveness to specific state concerns.