California lawmakers are calling on Congress to defend the state’s authority to regulate artificial intelligence, warning that federal efforts could weaken hard-fought consumer protections just as new AI laws are set to take effect.
California Seeks to Preserve Its AI Lawmaking Power
In Washington, D.C., a group of 20 Democratic lawmakers from California sent a letter on Monday urging members of the state’s congressional delegation to oppose any federal bills that would override state-level artificial intelligence regulations.
The lawmakers also asked Congress to push back against attempts by the Trump administration to limit or challenge California’s AI laws.
Lawmakers Say State AI Laws Balance Innovation and Safety
In their letter, the legislators emphasized that California’s AI rules aim to strike a balance between technological innovation and public safety.
“These laws have established our state as a leader in balancing both innovation and safety,” the lawmakers wrote. They argued that states should not be forced to sit idle while residents face new challenges and opportunities created by fast-growing AI technology.
Tech Industry Pushes for Federal Control
The debate comes as major technology companies push for federal preemption, meaning national laws that would override state regulations.
Tech industry leaders argue that having different AI rules in every state makes it harder to operate nationwide and compete with countries like China. Critics, however, say these companies are trying to avoid meaningful oversight and accountability.
Trump Administration Targets State AI Rules
Although a broad federal freeze on state AI laws failed in Congress earlier this year, other proposals are still being discussed.
Last Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing his administration to challenge what it calls “onerous” state AI laws. The order allows the federal government to pursue lawsuits or withhold broadband funding from states with strict regulations.
The California lawmakers drafted their letter before Trump signed the order and referenced only an early version that was circulating at the time.
Key California Leaders Behind the Effort
The letter was led by State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, who sponsored a new California law taking effect on January 1. That law requires large AI companies to adopt risk-reduction measures.
Other signers include:
- Sen. Steve Padilla of Chula Vista, who backed a law limiting how AI chatbots interact with minors
- Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens of Sunnyvale
- Assembly Member Anamarie Ávila Farías of Martinez
- Assembly Member Marc Berman of Menlo Park
States as “Laboratories of Democracy”
The lawmakers stressed that California plays a critical role in testing new policy ideas before they are adopted nationwide.
They wrote that passing federal AI laws should not replace California’s ability to respond quickly to residents’ concerns as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.
Conclusion
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes daily life, California lawmakers say state governments must retain the power to regulate emerging risks. They are urging Congress to respect state authority, resist pressure from powerful tech interests, and allow California to remain a leader in responsible AI governance.
