Trump wants to stop states from regulating AI. This Utah Republican isn’t listening - AP News

Utah state senator Fiefia, a Republican, is opposing the Trump administration's effort to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence. According to AP News, Fiefia stated that the administration wants to stop states from regulating AI while he focuses on advancing state-level legislation. This defiance marks a notable break within the Republican Party regarding AI policy.

Fiefia is drafting bills that would impose transparency and accountability requirements on AI systems used in critical state functions such as healthcare and law enforcement. These state-level proposals contrast with the administration's push for a single, minimalist federal standard that would preempt local regulations. The administration has previously initiated a campaign involving a Department of Justice litigation task force to challenge state AI regulations.

The situation highlights emerging tensions in AI governance, where state actions may lead to a patchwork of regulations despite federal efforts to centralize control. Fiefia's move suggests that some state lawmakers are proceeding with AI oversight independently, potentially complicating compliance for technology companies operating across multiple jurisdictions.