A bipartisan group of state legislators, including six from Georgia, is urging Congress to remove a provision buried in The One Big Beautiful Bill that would freeze state-level regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) for ten years.
In a letter signed by lawmakers from all 50 states, including over 260 officials, the group warns that this move would strip states of their ability to respond to fast-evolving threats and challenges posed by AI technologies.
“In an increasingly fraught digital environment, young people are facing new threats online, seniors are targeted by AI-generated scams, and workers and creators face new challenges in an AI-integrated economy,” the letter reads. “It is critical that state policymakers maintain the ability to respond.”
Georgia’s Bipartisan Signers Sound the Alarm
From Georgia, the letter was signed by Republican State Sen. John Albers of Roswell, GOP Reps. Todd Jones and Gary Richardson, as well as Democratic Reps. Scott Holcomb, Tanya Miller, and Sam Park.
Georgia has been actively exploring AI regulations. Last summer, lawmakers from both chambers met to discuss the topic, with Senator Albers, who chairs the state’s AI study committee, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
“We don’t want to overregulate,” Albers has said in previous sessions. “But we must ensure protections are in place for Georgians while keeping Georgia open for innovation and business.”
Stalled State Efforts Amid Congressional Uncertainty
Despite strong interest, no significant AI legislation passed in Georgia’s most recent legislative session. Even widely supported measures, like tougher penalties for AI-created child exploitation or deepfake political ads, failed to advance.
One proposed bill by Sen. Albers sought to establish a state AI advisory board and require local government transparency in AI usage. But that bill stalled in committee after then-chair Brandon Beach said Rep. Rich McCormick advised him to wait, suggesting Congress would handle AI regulations instead.
Since then, the Senate has authorized a new committee to study AI and digital currency, though appointments and hearings are still pending.
A Conservative Flashpoint in Trump’s Signature Spending Bill
The AI regulation freeze is part of a broader spending bill, nicknamed “One Big Beautiful Bill”, that has become a centerpiece of President Trump’s domestic agenda. The bill passed the House by just one vote and now awaits action in the Senate.
While the legislation contains key elements of the MAGA platform, including strong border security and energy independence measures, the AI provision has become a flashpoint for some conservatives.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Rome, Georgia, expressed frustration after learning the regulation freeze was included.
“I voted for President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill because it delivers his MAGA campaign promises,” Greene posted on social media. “But I want OUR policies funded… [Trump] NEVER said he would destroy state rights for 10 years to let AI tech companies run rampant!!! TAKE IT OUT OR I’M VOTING NO WHEN IT COMES BACK TO THE HOUSE!!!!!”
The Bottom Line
With states like Georgia already working to address the real-world consequences of AI on families, workers, and communities, the battle over who controls AI regulation, Washington or the states, is heating up. For many lawmakers, especially conservatives who value federalism and local governance, keeping decisions close to home is non-negotiable.
