AI Policy Expert Warns DeSantis: 700+ State AI Bills in 2024 Jeopardize US Global Leadership

Adam Thierer, a Resident Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute, has issued a stark warning to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the proliferation of state-level artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. Thierer argues that such fragmented policies risk undermining America's ability to compete with China in the burgeoning AI landscape, advocating for a cohesive national strategy. His open letter specifically highlights the potential for "Blue state lawmakers" to dictate national AI standards, drawing parallels to past environmental and labor policy influences.

Thierer's concerns stem from a significant surge in state legislative activity, with over 700 AI-related bills introduced across 45 states in 2024 alone. He stated in his open letter, > "Blue state lawmakers in just 4 big liberal states (CA, NY, IL, CO) have already proposed roughly 250 of the 1,000 AI bills this year." This patchwork of regulations, he contends, creates a complex compliance environment that disproportionately burdens smaller innovators and can stifle technological advancement.

A key example cited by Thierer is the Colorado AI Act, enacted in May 2024, which will take effect in June 2026. This landmark legislation focuses on "high-risk" AI systems making "consequential decisions" and defines "algorithmic discrimination" to include "disparate impact" theories, requiring extensive "AI audits" and "algorithmic impact assessments." This approach, according to Thierer, aligns with a "woke AI" regulatory vision that could impose new bureaucracies and technocratic mandates, potentially disadvantaging conservative views and priorities.

The Trump administration's AI policy contrasts sharply with this state-led regulatory trend. President Trump, upon taking office, rescinded the Biden administration's Executive Order 14110, which emphasized safeguards and risk mitigation, replacing it with EO 14179. This new order prioritizes deregulation, fostering innovation, and maintaining US global AI dominance, particularly against China, by removing "unnecessary regulatory barriers." Thierer urged Governor DeSantis to > "Support freedom and American AI greatness, Governor, not the repressive regulatory nightmare Blue states hope to usher in to defeat the Trump AI Action Plan."

Thierer cautions that if states like California are allowed to set the precedent, their "woke policies will come to dominate AI systems in ALL states, including yours," forcing companies to comply with the most restrictive regulations to operate nationwide. He warns against "hatred of large technology companies," noting that excessive regulation, as seen in the European Union, often leaves only "Big Tech firms" capable of handling the immense compliance costs, ultimately hindering overall market innovation. The debate underscores a critical juncture for US AI policy, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and national competitiveness.