Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
A 10-year freeze on state AI regulation can move forward in the reconciliation bill, per an announcement from Senate Democrats.
Why it matters: The provision cleared a major procedural hurdle, the Byrd Rule, which says only issues related to the budget can move through reconciliation legislation.
- The parliamentarian's ruling means this provision will not be subject to the Senate's 60-vote threshold.
State of play: The provision, championed by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, ties state broadband funding to AI regulation.
- There is opposition among states, consumer advocacy groups and members on both sides of the aisle.
- But supporters say the moratorium would help avoid a patchwork of state AI regulations.
The bottom line: The moratorium lives to see another day, but it may not make it to the Senate floor as some Republicans come out against it.
