Encourage states to pass their own AI laws and serve as “laboratories of democracy.”
Help states adopt enforceable AI transparency and anti-discrimination rules that protect residents now and create models Congress can scale. This strategy focuses on drafting workable standards, building coalitions, and turning early state wins into proof points that shape federal action. It also keeps pressure on Congress by making the patchwork problem harder to ignore.
Why this works
- In the absence of federal law, state governments have begun enacting meaningful AI regulations – e.g.
- Texas and Colorado’s AI acts impose transparency, anti-discrimination rules, and even prohibited practices like social scoring.
- These state laws can protect residents now and create models for federal legislation.
- They also keep pressure on Congress (as more states act, industry may accept a single federal standard rather than comply with 50 regimes).
Public Citizen
AdvocacyChampioning consumer rights and accountable government
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Public Citizen uses funding
- Identify leading state proposals and existing laws that can serve as templates.
- Draft and share model language that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and anti-discrimination protections.
- Build coalitions that can move bills through legislatures and sustain implementation after passage.
- Provide technical assistance to lawmakers and agencies on enforceable requirements and practical compliance.
- Track adoption and publish lessons learned so states can iterate toward stronger standards.
- Use state wins to pressure Congress to act without freezing stronger protections.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Model state package drafted
EarlyA reusable set of provisions and messaging is ready for state lawmakers and partners.
- 2
Champions and coalitions aligned
As bills are introducedLegislative sponsors and supporting coalitions commit to moving aligned legislation.
- 3
First wave of bills advances
During state actionBills move through legislative steps with enforceable provisions intact.
- 4
Implementation support prepared
After enactmentAgencies and stakeholders have guidance and a plan for enforcement and compliance.
- 5
Federal leverage moment created
OngoingState models are referenced to shape federal negotiations toward a stronger national framework.