Donalds calls for states to lead on AI rules

Donalds favors state action

Byron Donalds expressed doubt that artificial intelligence regulations could win approval in Congress and said states should set the rules instead. His position places the immediate responsibility for addressing AI with state governments rather than federal lawmakers.

Clearing Congress would require AI legislation to pass both the House and Senate. Donalds’ skepticism centers on whether lawmakers can reach that agreement, while his preferred approach would allow individual states to consider their own standards.

The two paths could produce different results. A federal law could establish requirements across the country, while a state-led approach could result in rules that vary from one state to another. Donalds’ comments support the second path, but expressing that preference does not enact or change a law.

What the policy process involves

State legislatures would have to introduce, debate and approve any state-level AI requirements. Those debates could address which AI uses should be regulated, who must comply, which state agency would oversee the rules and how violations would be handled.

Congress could still consider federal AI legislation despite Donalds’ doubts about its prospects. Any proposal would need enough support to advance through both chambers, and the details would determine whether it created one national standard or left room for separate state policies.

The practical question is whether states begin adopting their own approaches while Congress considers federal action. The scope and enforcement of any rules would depend on the text approved through the state or federal legislative process.