New IFS Report: State AI Laws Show Growing Public Consensus

In March 2026, the White House introduces a new AI policy framework. This framework aims to create a federal standard that overrides state regulations. President Trump’s administration claims state laws, especially in blue states, threaten innovation and security. AI Czar David Sacks warns of “50 states going in 50 different directions” with over 1,200 AI-related bills introduced this year. However, a new report reveals a different story. In 2025, only 136 of those bills became law, and just 26 directly regulate AI companies. That’s only 12 percent of introduced bills. Most of these laws lack mandates for private companies. What’s interesting is that the findings suggest a growing consensus among Americans on how they want AI regulated. People desire legislation focused on transparency and accountability, not a chaotic patchwork. This matters because understanding the actual landscape of AI regulation can help shape a more effective and unified federal approach, guiding how technology impacts our lives.