WASHNGTON – US states considered almost 700 legislative proposals related to artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024 covering a range of issues, according to a new BSA | The Software Alliance analysis. And the states’ focus on AI is only set to accelerate early in 2025. 

Forty-five states took up AI-related legislation this year, and just under 20 percent of those bills were ultimately enacted into law. The increased pace of activity is considered a precursor to renewed state legislative efforts on AI in early 2025. 

“National technology laws remain the best way to set clear and workable rules for high-risk uses of AI,” said BSA SVP of US Government Relations Craig Albright. “But state leaders have made clear that they are not waiting for Congress to act, and BSA intends to be a constructive and solutions-oriented partner in helping lawmakers write workable rules that build trust in AI and widely spread its benefits.” 

Lawmakers across the United States pursued legislation that fell into several basic categories, tackling 1) high-risk uses of AI; 2) digital replicas; 3) countering deepfakes, and; 4) government use of AI. Notable developments played out in Colorado, which earlier this year enacted the first comprehensive bill in the United States governing AI risks, and California, which considered a multitude of bills covering AI. 

Implications for 2025: BSA expects that state lawmakers will continue to evaluate all of these issues in 2025, but is particularly focused on efforts to take up legislation governing high-risk uses of AI – most notably in Connecticut, Texas, and California. 

Key 2024 Statistics: State lawmakers across the United States introduced almost 700 AI-related bills in 2024 across 45 states. 

• Of the bills that were introduced, 113 were ultimately enacted into law.
• An additional 77 bills advanced through one chamber in statehouses.
• By comparison, lawmakers introduced 191 bills in 2023.
• Four legislatures (Nevada, Montana, North Dakota, and Texas) were not in session in 2024 and could consider AI legislation in 2025.
• The only other state where legislation was not introduced was Arkansas. 

About the Analysis: BSA prepared the analysis through the use of its own internal tracking resources in conjunction with third-party legislative tracking platforms. BSA engages on AI-related policy worldwide, and has consistently called for lawmakers to take a risk-based approach to AI regulation that would require the use of impact assessments when AI is used to assist in a consequential decision.