US States Enact 85 AI Laws in 2026

US state legislatures passed 85 new AI-related laws in 2026 across 27 states. This legislative activity follows 31 new laws in 2025 and 15 in 2024. The cumulative total of state-level AI legislation reached 131 laws by August 2026.

Regulatory focus areas included generative AI, AI in healthcare, and the use of AI in government operations. States also addressed issues such as data privacy and algorithmic discrimination. Colorado, Texas, and California led in legislative volume. These states enacted 11, 8, and 7 new laws, respectively.

The enacted laws cover diverse applications of AI. For example, some legislation focuses on the responsible deployment of AI in public services. Other laws mandate impact assessments for AI systems used by state agencies. Several states also introduced provisions for consumer protection against AI-driven fraud.

This trend suggests a decentralised approach to AI governance within the US. State-level action often precedes or complements federal regulation. The varied nature of these laws reflects differing state priorities and concerns regarding AI. How will this patchwork of state laws influence national AI policy development?