The proposal being discussed in Washington would suspend state-level AI regulations nationwide.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers are expressing concern about a federal proposal that would temporarily prevent states from creating or enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations for the next 10 years.
The proposal being discussed in Washington would suspend state-level AI regulations nationwide. The bill has emerged as an addendum to the One Big Beautiful Bill, a rumored executive order from President Donald Trump’s administration and the National Defense Authorization Act, which is now law.
Supporters say it will prevent legal confusion across 50 states as the country races to keep up with rapid technological advances.
But some South Carolina lawmakers say such a moratorium could limit the state’s ability to respond to new safety risks, especially when it comes to child protection.
A bipartisan group of about 300 state legislators from around the country signed a letter asking Congress to reject the proposal. The effort is being led by South Carolina Representative Brandon Guffey, R-Rock Hill.
“I’m an AI professional, I’m a technology professional, but I’m also a liability professional. If you can’t guarantee that you’re moving forward safely, you have to hold back a little bit,” Guffey said.
Some versions of the federal proposal could conflict with AI regulations that South Carolina already has in place. Earlier this year, the state Legislature passed a law banning the possession, creation, and distribution of AI-generated sexual images of individuals without their consent.
Guffey said some of these risks to children could not have been predicted years ago, and the state needs to be able to respond to these new threats as they arise.
“We cannot predict the future, and we have to make sure we are making decisions that protect not only us now, but future generations,” Guffey said.
It remains unclear where this proposal will ultimately land. The National Defense Authorization Act has not yet been passed by Congress.
