Tri-City Sun

A bipartisan effort by Michigan House legislators is urging the federal government to avoid interfering with state-level protections concerning artificial intelligence (AI). This appeal comes amid ongoing discussions about a federal budget reconciliation bill that had initially proposed a 10-year moratorium on state and local regulation of AI. Although this provision has been removed, there remains concern over its potential reintroduction.

State Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) expressed apprehension regarding any language in the bill that might preempt states from enacting or enforcing AI-related laws. He stated, “Simply put, any language which seeks to preempt states from passing or enforcing laws surrounding artificial intelligence is extremely concerning, especially when you consider what some of these laws on the books or current legislative efforts seek to protect.” Bierlein emphasized the importance of safeguarding residents' safety and privacy amidst technological advancements.

Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) commended the U.S. Senate for eliminating the moratorium but voiced concerns about Congress potentially adopting such legislation. She noted that while legislatures across all 50 states have taken measures against dangerous AI aspects, it remains crucial for policymakers to address emerging issues as AI capabilities expand.

At the state level, both Bierlein and Tsernoglou have sponsored legislation imposing criminal penalties and allowing civil actions against nonconsensual creation and dissemination of deepfake images or videos. Deepfakes are realistic computer-generated images that can falsely depict individuals in various activities, including sexual acts. Currently, Michigan lacks specific laws prohibiting the distribution of such content without consent.

Children’s advocacy groups and civil society organizations are also lobbying Congress against any inclusion of an AI moratorium in the tax and budget reconciliation bill. Bierlein and Tsernoglou's bills passed overwhelmingly in April with a 104-1 vote in the House and are now under Senate review.

In their letter, Michigan legislators highlighted ongoing concerns about AI misuse: “As state lawmakers, our communities continue to share what seems like a never-ending amount of horror stories that are the direct result of AI misuse or weaponization,” they wrote. They urged Congressional representatives to reject provisions that would hinder state and local AI legislation while advocating for thoughtful policy solutions.