Pa. House OKs Haddock measure affirming state’s right to regulate AI
Rep. Jim Haddock September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Jim Haddock that urges the U.S. Congress to suspend efforts to pass federal legislation that would impose a moratorium on state-level artificial intelligence regulation.
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump has sought to limit the sovereignty of states to regulate AI.
“This resolution highlights the significant potential of AI in various economic sectors and also recognizes that Pennsylvania is a leader in the development of AI,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “The resolution reaffirms the right and responsibility of Pennsylvania’s government to pass legislation regarding AI to protect its residents from the dangers of misused AI.”
Haddock’s measure (H.R. 425) would urge the White House and the U.S. Department of Justice to cease threats to take legal action against state laws on AI or to withhold broadband funding for states that pass AI-related legislation.
The resolution also acknowledges that misuse of AI can pose health and safety risks, enable bias and discrimination, and negatively impact people in other ways, thereby creating a need for safeguards to protect people from misuse and to build public trust in AI.
It also calls on Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to advocate for a national framework that respects state authority, promotes innovation, and safeguards public welfare.
Upon passage by the state House, copies of the resolution will be shared with the President of the United States, the presiding officers of each house of Congress, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from Pennsylvania.