Attorney General Alan Wilson fights back federal proposal to strip states of authority over AI

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Today, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from across the country in opposing a sweeping federal proposal that would bar states from being able to enforce any state laws or regulations addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems for the next ten years.

“AI brings real promise, but also real danger, and South Carolina has been doing the hard work to protect our citizens,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Now, instead of stepping up with real solutions, Congress wants to tie our hands and push a one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington without a clear direction. That’s not leadership, that’s federal overreach. We’re ready to work together, but not if it means being told to sit on the sidelines while our people are put at risk.”

The proposal, recently added to a federal budget reconciliation bill, would impose an unprecedented moratorium on state level AI oversight. This moratorium comes on the heels of Congress failing to pass any meaningful federal regulatory framework.

In the letter sent to Congressional leaders including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Attorney General Wilson and attorneys general argue that this proposed measure would not only halt state progress in protecting consumers but also roll back critical already existing safeguards in place across the country.

Under Attorney General Wilson’s leadership, South Carolina has been at the forefront of addressing emerging technology issues, from online privacy, artificial intelligence, and deceptive social media practices. The state has taken proactive steps to understand and mitigate the risks posed by AI. Notably, Attorney General Wilson played a key role in the recent passage of S.28 by the State Legislature, a landmark law that closes a dangerous loophole by criminalizing the possession and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

The letter highlights that state attorneys general are often the first line of defense for consumers, and in the absence of any clear action by Congress or the federal government, ensuring responsible AI use for their citizens is even more important.

You can read the full letter here.