The Transparency Coalition has published its 2025 State AI Legislation Report, highlighting a significant advancement in artificial intelligence regulation across the United States. As of late October, lawmakers in 27 states have enacted 73 pieces of legislation addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by AI technologies. This marks an important shift in governmental response to the societal, economic, and ethical implications of AI, especially in light of growing public concern.
Key findings from the report reveal that nearly 600 AI-related bills have been introduced across 45 states this year. Of these, 73 laws were signed into effect, reflecting a bipartisan effort among officials to tackle issues related to AI’s impact on children, consumers, and democratic processes.
Major themes identified in the report include:
- Deepfakes: Fifteen states introduced laws aimed at combating the dangers of AI-generated deepfakes, focusing on issues such as financial fraud and intellectual property theft.
- AI Chatbots: In response to alarming incidents linked to predatory AI chatbots, states like California and New York have implemented safety protocols and disclosure requirements for these technologies.
- Healthcare Regulations: Eight states have legislated to ensure that patients are treated exclusively by human professionals, with some, like Illinois, outlawing AI-driven therapy altogether.
- Children’s Screen Time: Addressing concerns about AI’s role in increasing screen addiction among children, five states have adopted new regulations to protect young users.
Other noteworthy laws include a mandate for human instructors in Illinois community colleges, a ban in California on the “machine did it” defense related to AI actions, and restrictions on foreign-developed AI systems in Kansas and Oregon. The full report is accessible for download at transparencycoalition.ai, providing in-depth insights into the evolving landscape of AI legislation.
The Transparency Coalition, a Seattle-based nonprofit, aims to safeguard children, consumers, and democracy from potential AI harms while educating lawmakers on effective policy measures.
