Governors Push Federal AI Regulation as State Efforts Fragment

Bipartisan governors call for national AI framework

Two Democratic governors are pressing for federal action on artificial intelligence regulation, arguing that state-by-state approaches will prove inadequate for managing the technology's risks.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who chairs the National Governors Association, said Sunday that while governors across party lines are exploring AI regulation, their efforts require federal coordination. "Having 50 different guidelines is not the most productive thing for us to be doing and thinking about," Moore said during an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union."

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reinforced that concern on ABC's "This Week," noting his state has implemented AI security measures including audits and contingency planning requirements for companies. "My great concern, though, is you can't do this state by state," Pritzker said, calling for national and international coordination with allies.

Why it matters

The governors' push highlights a growing tension between state-level AI policy experimentation and the need for consistent standards across jurisdictions. As companies deploy AI systems that operate nationwide, conflicting state requirements could create compliance burdens while failing to address systemic risks that cross borders. The debate also exposes partisan divisions over whether AI development poses genuine threats requiring oversight or represents primarily an economic competition with China.

Criticism of Trump administration approach

Both governors criticized the Trump administration's stance on AI oversight. President Donald Trump has characterized AI safety concerns as a "hoax" and a "sick conspiracy," arguing that regulatory caution could allow China to gain technological advantage.

On Saturday, Trump announced plans to form an AI task force and appoint an AI czar. Moore dismissed the initiative as an "AI farce," saying it lacks "specific responsibility and guardrails." He contrasted the announcement with what governors view as substantive regulatory needs.

Moore said federal leadership must move beyond dismissing AI risks and called on Congress to provide oversight of the administration's approach.

State-level action continues

Despite advocating for federal standards, states are moving forward with their own initiatives. Maryland plans to convene an AI summit with industry and labor leaders in the coming weeks, Moore announced.

The governors join a broader group of state leaders pursuing AI policy independently of federal direction. Their efforts come as prominent AI company executives—including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Elon Musk—have warned that AI development may need to slow down to address safety concerns.

The tension between state innovation and federal coordination reflects a familiar pattern in technology regulation, where rapid advancement often outpaces the legislative process. For AI, the stakes include not just consumer protection and privacy but questions about autonomous systems, workforce displacement, and national security.

These details were first reported by POLITICO.