Joint Statement on the Presidential Executive Order Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence

The undersigned organizations - the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers - issue the following statement:

For years, state and local leaders have worked hard to understand artificial intelligence, its opportunities and its risks, to better serve the public. These efforts have led to working groups, public hearings, careful drafting, and bipartisan laws across the country to protect children, support the workforce, promote mental health, prevent fraud and exploitation, and safeguard privacy.

The recent Executive Order overlooks this important progress, creates uncertainty around federal funding, and moves away from repeated calls for partnership. By attempting to preempt state laws, it risks weakening protections for Americans and could lead to costly litigation instead of constructive collaboration.

We urge the President to reconsider this approach and work with states and local governments to build a strong, unified framework. An Intergovernmental AI Working Group would allow us to identify areas where state innovation can inform national policy while respecting states' rights and leveraging the expertise of state and local leaders.

Global competitiveness matters, and the best way to advance this technology safely is through cooperation. America will lead in AI only if all levels of government work together to craft policies that protect people, foster innovation, and reflect our democratic values.