House leaders unveiled H.R. 5678, a draft bill that would stop states from enacting their own AI rules.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jim Jordan (R‑OH) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D‑CA), sets a 180‑day window for the Senate to act before the proposal becomes law. It defines “AI system” broadly and mandates that any state law conflicting with federal guidance be declared preempted. The bill also creates a new inter‑agency committee to draft national AI standards within 12 months. Reuters reported that the bill faces organized opposition from the Chamber of Digital Commerce and several state attorneys general, who argue it would curtail local experimentation.
If passed, the measure would centralize AI governance at the federal level, limiting states’ ability to respond to regional concerns such as biometric surveillance or AI‑driven hiring tools. That could streamline compliance for national firms but also lock in a one‑size‑fits‑all approach, potentially stifling innovative policy pilots.
The proposal arrives as Congress debates other tech‑policy bills, and its fate will hinge on whether lawmakers can reconcile industry lobbying with growing calls for clearer AI oversight.