Bonta opposes language stripping states of control over AI

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(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta is opposing a congressional proposal to limit states’ ability to regulate artificial intelligence.

Bonta sent a letter Saturday to congressional leaders, expressing his objection to language being proposed for the National Defense Authorization Act. That’s the annual bill that covers military spending.

“As the birthplace of AI and the fourth largest economy in the world, California’s technology policy and regulation is unmatched. Our state is better suited to help create a safe environment for cutting age innovation than anyone else,” Bonta said in a news release. “I strongly oppose any federal AI law that strips states of their fundamental powers and denies all Americans the benefits of state-led progress in this rapidly evolving space.”

What's being debated is NDAA language that would preempt state-level regulations. States such as California oppose it.

Bonta addressed his letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. 

“I write in opposition to the reported efforts to include in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) language limiting the authority of the states to legislate or regulate artificial intelligence (AI),” Bonta wrote. “Preemption of the states’ authority in this rapidly evolving area would undermine the federalist system that has allowed states to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging technologies and in order to protect their residents’ health, safety, and welfare.”

Bonta said California's experience with technology policy and regulation demonstrates “commonsense state regulations can coexist with cutting edge innovation, economic growth, and global leadership.”

Bonta urged congressional leaders to focus on national defense and not allow "the AI industry to evade commonsense state law protections.”

His letter includes a link to a legal advisory that he issued on artificial intelligence.

"While AI tools present new opportunities, the use of AI can run the risk of exacerbating bias, discrimination, and the spread of disinformation, creating opportunities for fraud and causing harm to California’s people, institutions, infrastructure, economy and environment," Bonta wrote in the advisory.

Bonta recently told Politico he was hiring an artificial intelligence expert to help with legal and regulatory issues.