States' Right to Regulate AI Act

Bill Number

S. 3557

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-01-26T13:48:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. 3557: States' Right to Regulate AI Act

Purpose

This bill aims to block federal resources from supporting a specific executive order on artificial intelligence policy, thereby preserving states' ability to create their own rules for AI without federal involvement.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The legislation is named the "States' Right to Regulate AI Act."
• Funding Prohibition: No federal funds may be used to implement, administer, or enforce the Executive Order titled "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence," issued on December 11, 2025.
• Scope: The restriction applies broadly to any federal actions tied to carrying out the executive order.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new restriction on federal spending rather than amending prior statutes. It directly counters the December 2025 executive order by preventing its execution through the federal budget, marking a legislative check on executive action in the area of AI oversight.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Federal departments and agencies responsible for AI policy would be unable to allocate resources toward the executive order, potentially halting related programs or initiatives.
• On Citizens and States: States could face fewer federal constraints when developing AI regulations, possibly leading to varied rules across the country.
• On International Relations: No direct effects are specified, though reduced federal coordination on AI standards might influence U.S. positions in global discussions on technology.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal government agencies involved in technology and regulatory policy.
• State governments seeking to regulate AI independently.
• Companies and developers in the artificial intelligence sector.
• Members of Congress and the public interested in AI governance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Federalism Concerns: The bill emphasizes state authority over AI regulation, highlighting tensions between federal and state powers under the U.S. Constitution.
• Executive-Legislative Balance: It serves as a congressional response to limit the reach of a recent executive order, illustrating checks on presidential actions through funding controls.
• Political Context: Sponsored by a group of senators, the measure reflects ongoing debates about the appropriate level of government involvement in emerging technologies like AI.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Cosponsors (10)

Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• States' Right to Regulate AI Act — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (2 pages)