May 23, 2025
A proposed amendment buried in President Trump’s Big Beautiful Budget Bill could spark one of the most sweeping federal power grabs in recent history. Tucked away in Section 43201, Subsection C, the clause would strip individual states of their ability to regulate artificial intelligence for the next ten years. The language reads, “No state or political subdivision may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.” If passed, the measure would give unchecked control over AI development and deployment to tech giants like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Mark Zuckerberg, and others—including international players like Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman—without any ethical or legal guardrails.
Critics argue that this amendment not only violates the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution but also leaves a dangerous regulatory vacuum at a time when AI is advancing faster than any technology in modern history. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, joined by 39 other attorneys general, has formally opposed the measure, warning it would leave states powerless to protect their citizens from AI abuses. Local lawmakers like Arkansas State Rep. Scott Richardson have already made progress on AI regulation, passing bills to address generative AI misuse, copyright protection, and deepfake exploitation. Both Griffin and Richardson stress the need for a balanced approach that includes local oversight. Without it, states could be barred from enforcing laws that protect against child exploitation and other AI-related harms. As the bill faces strong opposition in the Senate, citizens are urged to contact their representatives and demand that this amendment be removed before it undermines both privacy rights and state sovereignty.
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SOURCE: Technocracy News