AG Letitia James Urges Congress to Block AI Regulation Limits

UPDATE: New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a strong bipartisan coalition of 36 attorneys general in a critical push against proposed federal legislation that threatens state authority over artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. On July 25, 2023, James announced her coalition’s urgent call for Congress to reject language in the National Defense Authorization Act that would prevent states from enacting laws to govern AI technologies.

This comes as Congress considers adding provisions that would preempt state laws, raising significant safety and security concerns. James firmly stated, “Every state should be able to enact and enforce its own AI regulations to protect its residents.” She highlighted alarming issues such as AI chatbots negatively impacting children’s mental health and the surge of AI-generated deepfakes facilitating scams.

New York is ramping up its own AI regulations, implementing new safety features this month that require AI companion operators to interrupt users who engage excessively and provide protocols for users showing signs of self-harm. Additionally, legislation is progressing that mandates large AI companies to disclose safety protocols and report dangerous AI behavior to state officials.

One key piece of legislation, the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act, aims to hold developers accountable for public safety threats and prohibit the use of AI in bioweapons development. This legislative momentum underscores New York’s commitment to balancing public safety with economic growth, even amid federal uncertainties.

Meanwhile, Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, is advocating for a “smart” approach to AI regulations. He emphasizes the need for investments in the power grid and a diversified energy strategy, criticizing current climate laws that restrict energy sources. “Reliability margins are diminishing because we’re losing sources of energy quicker than we’re replacing them,” Wilcox warned.

Amid these discussions, some bills in the state legislature propose limits on energy usage by data centers, highlighting the complex interplay between AI, energy policy, and economic development.

Dr. Michael Mandel, vice president and chief economist for the Progressive Policy Institute, offers a comprehensive strategy for states developing AI regulations. His proposals include enhancing educational partnerships and implementing tax incentives to spur innovation and job growth. “Studies have shown a positive economic effect from tax incentives,” he asserted, stressing the importance of ensuring these incentives yield tangible benefits.

As New York navigates this urgent and evolving regulatory landscape, all eyes are on Congress and the ongoing efforts to shape the future of AI governance. Authorities urge immediate action to safeguard state rights and ensure policies that protect communities nationwide.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.