The Exclusive Democratic Group Chat Shaping AI Policy
In a significant move for AI policy formulation, Democratic state lawmakers across the U.S. are quietly coordinating their efforts through a private Signal group chat known as “Frontier AI Legislators”. This initiative, as reported by multiple members, aims to create a cohesive strategy amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Why It Matters
The group plays a crucial role in shaping national standards for AI as Congress and the White House work to finalize their plans. Members share and refine bill language while exchanging insights regarding industry pressure, striving to ensure that their legislative efforts are informed and unified.
The Big Picture
As AI super PACs advocate for lighter regulations, they are pouring unprecedented amounts of funding into campaigns against state candidates supporting stricter rules. This has resulted in a surge of thousands of state-level AI bills introduced across the nation. In response, AI and tech companies are deploying lobbyists to state legislatures at an unprecedented rate, making the work of lawmakers even more challenging.
Group Origins and Membership
The group was founded by New York State assembly member Alex Bores, who is also running for Congress in New York’s 12th district. Currently, the chat comprises nine members from various states including New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Colorado, Vermont, California, and Rhode Island. Among them, at least two members, Bores and California state senator Scott Wiener, are vying for national office.
Insights from Members
According to Bores, the group emerged out of a need for coordination: “We realized that the lobbyists were going state by state, and sometimes saying different things to different people.” The lawmakers recognize the importance of being somewhat unified in their approach to AI legislation, stating that there are times when differences should be intentional.
Vermont state representative Monique Priestley shared her experience in the group, indicating that it has provided her with the confidence to tackle AI bills amidst intense industry lobbying. She noted, “It’s often one or two people in a state house that are trying to lead, and they’re often going up against the biggest entities in the world.” The group has been instrumental in alleviating the feelings of isolation that often accompany such efforts.
Assuring Consistency
California state assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan emphasized the value of the Signal group in helping lawmakers assess the messages they receive from lobbyists: “Are the lobbyists telling us all the same things? Are they telling us different things? Is there consistency? What is real?” This consistency is vital for crafting effective legislation.
Strategic Decision-Making
During the drafting of New York’s AI safety law, known as the RAISE Act, the group identified a “weakened” section on third-party audits and chose to defer it to a future bill. Bores explained that this decision was made in light of concerns from fellow group members about the potential for lobbyists to exploit provisions against them in the future.
The Future of the Group
Currently, there are no Republican members in the group. However, with states like Utah, Nebraska, and Oklahoma working on new AI legislation, Bores has extended an invitation for any interested Republicans to join the conversation.
