While the U.S. Congress remains mired in partisan conflict, state legislators are finding common ground on several pressing issues, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. In the 2026 legislative season, both Democrats and Republicans are collaborating to address the burgeoning influence and infrastructure demands of AI technologies.

State-Level Bipartisanship on AI Regulation

Across the United States, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are taking steps to regulate AI. This unusual cooperation stems from a shared concern about the power and reach of big tech companies. According to David Primo, a political science professor at the University of Rochester, this issue has “scrambled the typical ideological alignments,” bringing conservatives and liberals together to address what they see as a common problem.

“Conservatives and liberals are saying, ‘Well, here’s an opportunity for us to stop what we think is a problem.'” — David Primo

Key Legislative Initiatives

In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is championing the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights. This proposed legislation aims to protect individuals’ identities by making it illegal to use a person’s likeness without consent. It also requires minors to have parental permission to interact with AI chatbots and mandates transparency in human-machine interactions.

Similarly, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is advocating for stricter controls on AI, particularly concerning minors. Her proposals include banning chatbots from social media platforms used by those under 18, shifting the burden of responsibility from parents to tech companies to ensure child safety.

Impact of AI on Infrastructure

As AI technologies proliferate, the demand for data centers, which are critical for processing and storing data, has increased. These facilities are resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of electricity and water. This has raised environmental and economic concerns among state lawmakers.

For instance, Florida legislators are scrutinizing the potential strain on the power grid and the risk of increased utility costs for residents. Governor DeSantis has expressed skepticism about the purported economic benefits of data centers, such as job creation and reduced property taxes, suggesting that these claims are exaggerated.

Other states are also taking action. South Dakota is working to ensure that local governments retain authority over data center regulations, while Oklahoma is considering measures to mitigate the impact of data center proliferation.

Federal and State Dynamics

Despite former President Trump’s executive order aiming to restrict states from independently regulating AI, state governments are moving forward with their own agendas. Nearly every state has introduced proposals addressing AI’s societal impacts, ranging from human oversight of AI-driven employment decisions to prohibiting AI in surveillance activities.

This state-level activism highlights a significant divergence from the federal government’s approach, with states prioritizing local needs and concerns over national directives. As AI continues to evolve, the need for a nuanced and collaborative regulatory framework becomes increasingly apparent.

Originally reported by npr.org. Rewritten by 360DailyTrend editorial staff.