New ALEC AI Policy Toolkit: An Example of Sound State AI Governance
In a recent report published by the American Consumer Institute and the R Street Institute, four ALEC model policies were highlighted as positive examples for states to “resist fear-driven mandates” and instead adopt clear, consistent, and innovation-friendly frameworks that protect consumers.
These and more ALEC resources were recently featured in the newest research publication, State AI Policy Toolkit: The ALEC Guide to a Golden Age of Artificial Intelligence Innovation, and they are also considered ALEC Essential Policy Solutions for 2026.
While many problematic AI regulations are pending in states today, some bright spots follow sound principles of AI governance. Over the past two years, for example, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) adopted four pieces of model state legislation that offer lawmakers good starting points for addressing complex and fast-moving AI policy issues.
1. Model State Artificial Intelligence Act
In 2024, ALEC formulated a baseline AI model bill that proposes the creation of an Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and tasks it with a few basic responsibilities.
2. Technology-Neutral Anti-Discrimination Clarification Act
This model reaffirms that “discrimination based on protected characteristics is unlawful” whether it occurs in housing, employment, public accommodations, education, credit, or any other context covered by state civil-rights statutes.” At its core, the model legislation reaffirms that illegal content is illegal regardless of the technology used to break the law.
3. Artificial Intelligence Tax Non-Discrimination Act
This model bill builds on the principle that policymakers should seek to adopt clear and simplified tax policies, while also avoiding technological distortion or discrimination relative to other technologies and sectors. “Tax policy must remain neutral” toward the mode of delivery or technological implementation of services,” this model law states.
4. Right to Compute Act
This model bill would clarify that the traditional rights citizens already enjoy also include a fundamental right to own and make use of technological tools, including computational resources. Any government restrictions on the lawful use of computational resources—including but not limited to hardware, software, algorithms, machine learning, cryptography, platforms, services, and quantum applications—must be narrowly tailored and demonstrably necessary to fulfill a compelling government interest.
Read the full report for further insights and details on these model policies.
