The nonprofit is adding12 staff members and says it will counter industry-backed proposals in state capitals.
Americans for Responsible Innovation is adding about 12 staff members to advocate for AI rules across all 50 states, establishing a dedicated operation to influence state legislation.
The nonprofit announced the initiative on Sept. 10 as state lawmakers weigh AI legislation nationwide. ARI said it created the operation to counter lobbying by AI companies and industry groups seeking to shape those laws.
ARI plans a permanent state presence
The new regional teams will monitor legislation and provide policy expertise to state lawmakers. ARI said it will support rules addressing risks from the most powerful AI models and potential harm to workers, children, and families.
ARI President Brad Carson said state policy “can no longer be treated as a secondary front.” He said industry groups are already investing heavily in state-level advocacy and moving quickly to shape legislation.
It described the initiative as a permanent operation covering state capitals nationwide rather than a temporary push focused on one legislative session.
State effort follows preemption fights
The initiative expands ARI’s existing federal policy and coalition work. The organization previously opposed congressional proposals that would limit states’ authority to regulate AI.
In June, ARI supported a letter from more than 200 lawmakers across 42 states opposing a provision in the proposed Great American AI Act. The lawmakers said the provision would override state AI laws without replacing them with federal protections.
The new initiative will also address ARI’s stated priorities involving data centers, advanced AI systems, workers, and child safety. Its teams will identify emerging bills, advise lawmakers, and support the safeguards the organization favors.
ARI said it would begin hiring for two positions immediately. It expects to announce additional state policy, communications, and operations roles in the coming months.
