There's a significant shift happening in how US states approach AI regulations. Instead of focusing solely on risk mitigation, states are now leaning towards a more pro-innovation stance. This change is reflected in the record number of AI-related bills introduced by state legislators this year - over 900.
States like Virginia and Texas are leading the charge, rejecting stricter EU-style regulations in favor of a more growth-oriented approach. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed a bill that would have imposed stricter regulations on high-risk AI developers, citing concerns that it would harm job creation and innovation.
Similarly, Texas lawmakers have revised their "Texas Responsible AI Governance Act" to remove more restrictive provisions, opting for a lighter regulatory touch. This shift towards pro-innovation regulations aims to foster a more favorable business environment, encouraging companies to develop and deploy AI solutions.
However, it's worth noting that the European Union has taken a different approach with its AI Act, which sets out to mitigate risks associated with AI systems. The AI Act defines four levels of risk, from unacceptable to minimal, and imposes strict obligations on high-risk AI systems.
