California lawmakers are urging members of Congress to safeguard the state’s newly passed artificial intelligence regulations, warning against federal efforts that could override or weaken them. In a recent appeal, around 20 Democratic legislators called on California’s congressional delegation to oppose any national measures that would preempt state authority on AI governance. They argue that California’s laws are designed to balance innovation with accountability and public protection.
Their concern follows moves at the federal level that signal a tougher stance on state-led AI regulation. Recent actions by the Trump administration have encouraged federal agencies to challenge state AI laws, either through legal avenues or by tying compliance to federal funding. California lawmakers see this as a direct threat to the state’s ability to respond to the social, economic, and ethical risks posed by rapidly advancing AI systems.
Several prominent state legislators have been vocal about the issue, including those who authored measures requiring AI developers to assess and mitigate potential harms, as well as laws aimed at limiting how AI tools interact with children and vulnerable users. They contend that these rules were crafted carefully, with input from industry, researchers, and civil society, and reflect California’s role as both a technology hub and a regulatory leader.
The lawmakers argue that states should retain the freedom to act as testing grounds for responsible AI policies while the federal government works toward comprehensive national standards. They caution that sweeping federal preemption, especially in the absence of robust nationwide AI safeguards, could leave consumers unprotected and slow meaningful progress on ethical and transparent AI development.
