States push AI safeguards despite Trump’s hands-off stance

Across the U.S., Republican and Democratic leaders are advancing stronger AI safety rules even as President Trump promotes a hands-off approach. California is weighing a special legislative session and has already enacted AI-safety measures, while Florida has sued major AI firms and backed criminal penalties for illegal chatbot use. Utah calls for federal action and a national floor, and New York and Pennsylvania are pursuing additional state-level safeguards. The White House says a federal framework is in the works, but state efforts proliferate as the AI debate intensifies ahead of midterms.