AI Leaders Urge Iowa Legislature to Weigh Regulation and Innovation
As artificial intelligence emerges as a complex policy issue for Iowa lawmakers this session, multiple bills aimed at regulating this transformative technology are advancing through the Iowa legislature.
Industry Leaders Address Lawmakers
During a recent forum at the downtown Hilton, industry leaders conveyed to Iowa lawmakers that the state has positioned itself as a national leader in artificial intelligence development. However, they cautioned that future growth hinges on measured and informed policymaking.
Notably, the technology behind ChatGPT, one of the world’s most widely used AI tools, was developed in Iowa. The state ranks 11th nationally in AI growth, having attracted over $500 million in revenue from AI and data center projects, as reported by the American Edge Project.
The Need for Predictability
Experts at the Statehouse policy forum emphasized the importance of predictability in state law for sustaining investment in AI. “You have a lot of policymakers that don’t know anything about AI or what the demands are going to be,” stated Jennifer Young, CEO of the Technology Councils of North America. She highlighted that the pace of legislation has outstripped understanding, with over 1,200 AI-related bills introduced nationwide in 2025 alone.
Young pointed out that the lack of knowledge often results in policies that do not make sense, stressing the need for informed regulation.
Ongoing Legislative Proposals
Several AI-related bills are currently progressing through the Iowa Legislature. These include regulations related to:
- Artificial intelligence in elections
- Campaign materials
- State agencies
One notable bill that has advanced out of a House subcommittee restricts the use of AI-generated content in political campaigns. Lawmakers are also considering regulations on AI chatbots and automated decision-making systems.
Balancing Protection and Innovation
Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg emphasized that Iowa’s approach must protect residents without stifling economic growth. “Good policy should encourage innovation, not slow it down,” he stated, advocating for a balanced regulatory approach.
Constituent Concerns
During the session, lawmakers expressed concerns raised by constituents regarding:
- Deepfakes
- Child safety
- Broader societal risks of artificial intelligence
Young acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the importance of basing policy decisions on accurate information. She pointed to Iowa’s existing data privacy law, which predates similar protections in other states, as a valuable tool applicable to AI.
Engagement with Local Technology Companies
Industry leaders urged lawmakers to engage with local technology firms during the legislative drafting process. Smaller, Iowa-based companies are often the most affected by unintended consequences of regulation.
Conclusion
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, speakers at the forum underscored that Iowa faces the challenge of maintaining a steady policy environment that attracts investment while addressing public concerns and keeping the state competitive in the national race for AI development.
