1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

The proposal to ban US states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade is concerning and unwarranted. AI technology is rapidly evolving, and its impacts are far-reaching, making appropriate regulation essential to safeguard the public's interests. A blanket 10-year moratorium would prevent states from responding to emerging issues and risks posed by AI systems, hindering their ability to protect citizens' rights, privacy, and well-being. While a uniform federal framework could provide clarity for businesses, completely preempting state authority for such an extended period is an overreach. States have a legitimate role in establishing guardrails and ethical standards for AI deployment within their jurisdictions, particularly in areas like employment, housing, education, and public services where AI-driven decisions can perpetuate biases and discrimination. Rather than an absolute ban, a more balanced approach would be to establish a national AI governance framework that sets baseline standards while allowing states to enact additional protections tailored to their specific needs and values. AI regulation should involve stakeholders at all levels to ensure responsible development and application of this powerful technology. The 10-year timeframe appears arbitrary and fails to account for the rapid pace of AI advancement. A more prudent approach would be to periodically review and update regulations as the technology evolves, informed by ongoing public discourse, expert input, and real-world impacts. Preemptively tying the hands of states for a decade is an unnecessary overreach that could undermine public trust and hinder efforts to mitigate AI's potential harms.