1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent proposal to prohibit U.S. states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for a period of ten years. I believe such a blanket moratorium is both unwarranted and potentially detrimental to the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. AI is a rapidly evolving field with profound with far-reaching impacts across numerous sectors. As such, appropriate regulation is essential to safeguard the public’s interests, including privacy, safety, and civil rights. Imposing a decade-long ban hinders states’ ability to respond effectively to emerging issues and risks associated with AI systems. It impedes efforts to protect citizens’ rights and prevent harm, especially in critical areas such as employment, housing, education, and public services, where AI-driven decisions can unintentionally reinforce biases and systemic discrimination. A unified federal framework could provide clarity and consistency for businesses, but preempting state authority for such an extended period constitutes an overreach. States play a vital role in establishing guardrails and ethical standards tailored to their unique populations and needs. Allowing states to enact additional protections ensures a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to AI regulation. Rather than an outright ban, I urge you to develop of a balanced national AI governance framework that establishes baseline standards while enabling states to implement measures reflective of their specific circumstances. Furthermore, given the rapid pace of AI advancement, a fixed ten-year restriction is arbitrary and will impede adaptive regulation. A more prudent strategy would involve periodic reviews and updates to AI policies, incorporating ongoing public discourse, expert insights, and real-world impact assessments. I urge you to oppose legislative measures that overly restrict states rights in AI regulation and to support a flexible, collaborative approach that promotes responsible innovation while protecting public interests. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.