State regulations create problems that undermine development, only a cohesive federal framework creates innovation and boosts global leadership

Technological ingenuity and a skilled and creative workforce are at the center of American economic leadership. From mass production of automobiles to telecommunications to the dawn of the Internet, the United States has led the world for more than a century in the development and deployment of new technologies. Artificial intelligence (“AI”) presents an opportunity to continue that global leadership. AI technologies, especially those with generative capabilities, have recently entered the public consciousness and have brought a new age of possibility for businesses and workers, with the potential to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. AI is developing quickly, as are the opportunities it brings to revolutionize industries, attract investment, and create new jobs. However, we are concerned that a patchwork of state-level proposals to regulate artificial intelligence could slow realization of these benefits and stifle innovation by making compliance complex and onerous, especially for small businesses that stand to benefit the most from the productivity boosts associated with AI. A federal framework is the best option to provide American businesses with the certainty they need to invest in AI development and adoption, and our workforce is prepared to transition to an AI-empowered economy. While there are roles for states to promote adoption of AI within schools, businesses, and government entities, the federal government should take the lead in developing a comprehensive framework for regulating AI. This is not an easy task, but federal agencies, leading technology companies, and other critical stakeholders including researchers are working in a collaborative manner alongside U.S. allies to establish governance frameworks for AI. On behalf of chambers of commerce and business voices across the U.S., the undersigned urge state leaders to embrace the benefits of artificial intelligence (“AI”) for their states, and to study whether legal gaps exist before pushing for new regulatory frameworks. States should conduct assessments of existing laws to identify those that already protect consumers from harm and that work as well for AI as for other technologies. States should also identify AI use cases that can make government more efficient and improve service delivery and constituent engagement. Finally, states should consider how to strengthen support for computer science education and digital skilling initiatives to ensure that American businesses can attract employees prepared to use AI technologies to improve their professional experience and increase their productivity.