Six months after President Donald Trump issued an executive order warning states against regulating artificial intelligence, multiple states are continuing to advance AI-related legislation despite federal opposition.

Trump's executive order directed the attorney general to create a task force to challenge state AI laws deemed more than "minimally burdensome" and threatened to restrict federal funding to states with problematic regulations. The administration argued that allowing states to create a patchwork of AI regulations could hinder the industry's development and America's competitive position against China in the AI sector.

Despite these warnings, states have introduced more AI bills this year than last, according to policy analysts. Illinois recently passed legislation requiring AI developers to use independent auditors to review compliance with safety protocols. The bill received nearly unanimous bipartisan support, with Democratic state Senator Mary Edly-Allen stating that Illinois operates independently of federal pressure.

Multiple states including Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Oregon have enacted laws regulating AI chatbots, particularly their interactions with children. These laws typically require companies to disclose when users are interacting with AI rather than humans and impose restrictions on how chatbots engage with minors.

Colorado implemented requirements for companies using AI in employment, education, housing or banking decisions to inform people when AI influences decisions about them. Connecticut mandated that employers notify workers when AI systems are being used in employment-related processes.

However, some Republican-led states have pulled back from AI regulation. Florida's House refused to advance Governor Ron DeSantis's AI "Bill of Rights" legislation, with House Speaker Daniel Perez citing Trump's position that federal government should control AI regulation. Utah also stalled progress on AI legislation after receiving White House opposition.

The White House has not yet indicated whether it will enforce the executive order by challenging state laws in court or withholding federal funding. Congress has made limited progress on federal AI regulation, leaving states to fill the regulatory gap in various sectors where AI systems interact with consumers.