Common Sense Media Statement on U.S. Senate Vote Against 10-Year AI Safety Law Ban
SAN FRANCISCO, July 1, 2025 — Common Sense Media applauded a vote in the U.S. Senate early this morning to strip out a proposal to ban state-level AI protections for 10 years from the tax and spending bill moving through Congress. The proposed moratorium on state AI law enforcement would also have unfairly forced states to choose between broadband infrastructure funding and AI safety and many other tech safety laws that are increasingly popular in the states.
Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:
"The Senate did the right thing today for kids, for families, and for our future by voting to strip out the dangerous 10-year ban on state AI laws, which had no business being in a budget bill in the first place. Senators listened to the rising and bipartisan chorus of opposition that refused to go silent, even as the hour grew late.
"We loudly applaud the bi-partisan leadership of Senators Blackburn, Cantwell, Collins, Markey, Marshall, Blumenthal, Murkowski, Kim, and other U.S. Senators who stood with us and countless other organizations, attorneys general, state lawmakers, and parents to ensure this dangerous ban on AI state laws was removed from the bill.
"Nearly three-quarters of Americans want both the states and the federal government to ensure that fast-moving technology in our kids' and families' lives is both cutting-edge and safe. The proposed ban that has now been removed would have stopped states from protecting their residents while offering nothing in return at the federal level. In the end, 99 senators voted to strip the language out when just hours earlier it looked like the moratorium might have survived.
"This is a victory for everyone, but especially every child growing up in today's AI-powered world and every parent who wants nothing more than to ensure their kids are safe. It's also a stark reminder that states must retain their fundamental right to lead – on AI, social media, and other technology. Common Sense Media remains committed to working with lawmakers at every level of government to establish meaningful safeguards on AI that allow for innovation and build the digital future our children deserve."
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Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.