Utah State Representative Doug Fiefia is spearheading a transformative national initiative to reshape how states govern artificial intelligence. As co-chair of the National Task Force on State AI Policy, Fiefia partners with Vermont’s Representative Monique Priestley to build effective AI governance frameworks across America.
The bipartisan task force launches at a critical moment. AI technology is rapidly transforming jobs, education, public safety, and economic structures. Yet most state lawmakers lack the resources and expertise to make informed decisions about this game-changing technology.
Why This Matters Now
The timing couldn’t be more strategic. Just weeks ago, the U.S. Senate stripped a proposed 10-year federal ban on state AI laws from Republican legislation. The moratorium had lost political support after seven weeks of dwindling backing among GOP senators who initially argued only federal government should regulate AI technology.
This federal retreat creates a vacuum that states must fill. According to the Future Caucus, the task force’s primary objective is combating “partisan gridlock” that stalls crucial AI policy developments. By creating a politically diverse platform, the initiative equips young legislators with insights and tools for responsible AI governance.
“This is a defining moment,” Fiefia emphasizes. “We can’t afford to let AI policy be divided by party or decided by default. As younger lawmakers, we have a unique opportunity to lead with balance and foresight.”
Strategic Advantage for Business Leaders
Fiefia brings exceptional qualifications to this leadership role. His professional experience at Google combined with his advocacy for data control laws positions him uniquely to bridge technology and governance. During his first Utah legislative session, he championed HB418, groundbreaking legislation mandating social media companies enable greater data interoperability.
This first-of-its-kind law empowers users within digital ecosystems by forcing companies to treat personal data similarly to how telecommunication companies handle phone numbers. The legislation allows social media users greater control over their data while requiring increased data-sharing across platforms.
Priestley adds complementary expertise with her background in successful AI legislation in Vermont. She serves on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy.
“We’re creating a space where lawmakers can get informed and produce tech policies impacting their states,” Priestley asserts. “This is about translating complex AI issues into actionable governance strategies that serve constituents’ needs.”
Market Impact and Growth Opportunities
The task force will connect lawmakers with expert voices from industry, academia, and civil society. Plans include public discussions, confidential briefings, and production of a comprehensive Bipartisan State AI Policy Memo. This initiative serves as a critical resource for Gen Z and millennial policymakers nationwide.
Effective state-level AI policies promise more predictable regulatory environments, facilitating innovation and operational efficiency. These frameworks could foster competitive advantages for businesses that align early with robust, ethically-guided AI strategies.
The formation represents a strategic pivot in AI governance across the United States. Rather than waiting for federal action that may never come, states are taking proactive approaches to harness AI’s transformative potential while managing associated risks.
National Brain Trust for AI Governance
The National Task Force on State AI Policy emerges from Future Caucus, a nonpartisan nonprofit empowering young elected leaders to bridge partisan divides and advance collaborative governance. In environments where AI debates often become highly polarized or overly technical, the task force offers lawmakers and the public a pragmatic, principled path forward.
Applications for the task force are now open to Gen Z and millennial lawmakers across the country. This represents the latest initiative from Future Caucus to equip emerging leaders with resources for effective governance in the AI age.
The task force will serve as a “national brain trust for responsible AI governance at the state level,” according to Future Caucus. This collaborative approach ensures AI policy development guided by effective governance rather than partisan gridlock.
What Business Leaders Should Know
AI continues permeating global markets at unprecedented speed. Strategic engagement at the state level offers formidable opportunities to harness growth potential responsibly. Businesses and policymakers must engage actively with initiatives like this task force to steer AI development toward enhanced economic growth and societal betterment.
The task force stands positioned to bridge gaps, ensure ethical standards, and lead younger legislators toward impactful governance. By fostering collaboration and informed decision-making, this initiative aims building adaptive policy frameworks essential in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and transforms business operations, the National Task Force on State AI Policy represents a crucial step toward balanced, forward-thinking governance. The collaboration between Fiefia and Priestley signals a new era of bipartisan cooperation on technology policy.
Would you bet on this state-level approach to AI governance succeeding where federal efforts have stalled? Share your view on how businesses should engage with emerging AI policy frameworks.
