Senators Blackburn and Cruz Reach Compromise on AI Regulation Moratorium
Senators Blackburn and Cruz have negotiated a five-year moratorium on state-based AI regulations, down from an initial ten-year proposal in the Big Beautiful Bill.
Overview
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn initially opposed a ten-year AI regulation moratorium in the Big Beautiful Bill.
- Sen. Ted Cruz proposed the original ten-year moratorium on state-based AI regulations.
- Blackburn later backed away from her opposition, leading to negotiations with Cruz.
- The senators reached a compromise to reduce the moratorium from ten years to five years.
- The new agreement includes specific carve-outs for certain AI regulations.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the situation as a political maneuver, highlighting Sen. Blackburn's retreat from a compromise on AI regulation. The tone suggests skepticism towards her decision, implying a lack of commitment to bipartisan solutions. The focus on the compromise's specifics reflects a critical view of legislative negotiations.
Blackburn expressed concern that the moratorium would prevent the enforcement of Tennessee’s ELVIS Act.
The ELVIS Act was backed by a coalition of content creators and talent unions, who are now pushing for the No Fakes Act.
Democrats are expected to offer an amendment to strike the AI provision as the Senate engages in a vote-a-rama.
Articles (6)
Center (1)
"…The new language in the provision now exempts laws and state regulations that have to do with “unfair or deceptive acts or practices, child online safety, child sexual abuse material, rights of publicity, protection of a person’s name, image, voice, or likeness.”"
Deadline·23h·FAQ
The initial proposal was a ten-year moratorium on state-based AI regulations, suggested by Sen. Ted Cruz as part of the Big Beautiful Bill.
Senators Blackburn and Cruz reached a compromise to reduce the moratorium from ten years to five years, with specific carve-outs for certain AI regulations.
The moratorium could preempt state AI laws that have already passed, such as California's AB 2013 and Tennessee's ELVIS Act, potentially limiting consumer protections and oversight.
History
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