Federal and State AI Regulations Have Stalled

Legislative efforts in Washington and Lansing have slowed as officials debate the necessity of new oversight.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy industrial server rack on a concrete floor, representing stalled AI infrastructure and regulatory policy. — Federal and state-level artificial intelligence legislation has stalled, leaving tech firms to navigate a complex, uncertain regulatory landscape in the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government enact stricter regulations on artificial intelligence development?

Artificial intelligence policy has reached a stalemate in both the U.S. Congress and the Michigan legislature. While 38 states enacted AI laws in 2025, federal progress has halted amid opposition from President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

Tech executives argue that a patchwork of state-level regulations creates excessive compliance costs and risks, prompting their calls for a unified federal system. Conversely, some officials maintain that existing regulatory frameworks are sufficient to govern the emerging technology.

In 2025, 38 states enacted varying AI regulations out of 50 total states that saw proposals introduced. Michigan currently maintains specific laws against nonconsensual deepfakes and requires campaign disclosures for AI-generated materials.

The players

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the current President of the United States who has stated that existing regulatory powers are sufficient to oversee artificial intelligence companies.

Debbie Dingell

Debbie Dingell is a U.S. Representative who has opposed a data center project located in Ypsilanti Township.

The details

Legislative proposals in Michigan have failed to advance through the committee process, and the U.S. House of Representatives has adjourned until after the November elections. Meanwhile, Representative Debbie Dingell has expressed opposition to a proposed data center project in Ypsilanti Township, highlighting local concerns linked to the infrastructure supporting AI development.

In 2025, 38 states enacted artificial intelligence regulations.
On September 14, 2026, Donald Trump announced his opposition to new federal AI oversight.
On September 15, 2026, Debbie Dingell opposed a data center project in Ypsilanti Township.
The U.S. general elections will occur in November 2026.
The current Michigan legislative term is set to expire by the end of 2026.

The Tech Race

The current legislative stalemate reflects a broader struggle between state-specific mandates and the desire for a unified national framework. This tension highlights a shift away from fragmented oversight toward a debate over whether centralized regulation is necessary for future tech development.

The absence of federal regulation means that protections against AI-generated misinformation or deepfakes remain inconsistent depending on where a user lives. Residents in states like Michigan will continue to operate under local laws, which may differ significantly from the standards applied in neighboring jurisdictions.

The takeaway

The ongoing regulatory divide between Washington and the states suggests that businesses and consumers should prepare for a continued patchwork of regional AI laws. Stakeholders may benefit from monitoring local legislative sessions as they remain the primary venue for active AI governance.