HumenhukAIGP Study Guide
Module 4: AI Regulation, BoK IV.B

The United States - orders, guidance and state laws

Reviewed by Victor Humenhuk. Published . Reviewed .

There is no single federal AI statute. Instead: executive orders (EO 14179 replaced the rescinded EO 14110, then America's AI Action Plan), federal guidance (Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, TAKE IT DOWN Act), existing-law enforcement (FTC Section 5, CFPB), and a wave of state laws like California TFAIA (SB 53) and NYC Local Law 144.

No single federal AI statute. Instead, executive orders, federal guidance, existing-law enforcement and a wave of state legislation.

  • National Policy Framework for AI (11 Dec 2025) → aims to dissuade new state-level AI legislation by linking federal funding eligibility to compliance; will not preempt state laws on children's online safety or state government procurement and use of AI.
  • EO 14179 → Removing Barriers (23 Jan 2025) → replaces the rescinded EO 14110 (Safe, Secure and Trustworthy AI); July 2025 brought America's AI Action Plan → over 90 federal actions, three new EOs, three pillars (accelerating innovation, building AI infrastructure, international leadership and security).
  • Guidance → Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (2022) sets five principles; OMB guidance to federal agencies; DHS framework for safe AI in critical infrastructure.
  • TAKE IT DOWN Act → targets AI-generated, nonconsensual and deepfake images; platforms must remove harmful depictions (extra care for minors) and respond to valid removal requests within 48 hours
Existing laws bite first

Short-term reality → AI is primarily regulated by existing laws and agencies → the FTC Section 5 applies to unfair and deceptive AI/ML practices; the CFPB requires creditors to explain specific reasons behind adverse credit decisions, including from 'black box' models.

State and city laws (passed as of October 2025)
LawEffectiveOne-liner
California TFAIA (SB 53)1 Jan 2026Frontier AI rules for the most advanced systems (Claude, Gemini, GPT-4.1, DALL-E 3) → transparency, safety, accountability, responsiveness while allowing innovation
California AB 20131 Jan 2026GenAI training data transparency
California SB 9421 Jan 2026AI Transparency Act → watermarking and detection
Colorado AI Act (SB 24-205)1 Feb 2026Consequential decisions, AIAs → currently facing a proposed overhaul
Texas TRAIGA (HB 149)1 Jan 2026Responsible AI governance
Utah SB 226 / SB 1497 May 2025 / 1 May 2024AI consumer protection amendments; AI Policy Act (disclosure in regulated professions)
NYC Local Law 144In forceBias audits of AI-enabled employment tools
California BOT ActIn forceProhibits bots encouraging a sale undisclosed

Key terms - quick answers

What is “EO 14179”?
US 'Removing Barriers' executive order (23 Jan 2025) replacing the rescinded EO 14110.
What is “America's AI Action Plan”?
July 2025 US plan with 90+ federal actions, three new EOs and three pillars (innovation, infrastructure, leadership).
What is “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights”?
2022 US guidance setting five principles for automated systems plus concrete steps.
What is “TAKE IT DOWN Act”?
US law targeting AI-generated nonconsensual and deepfake images; 48-hour removal-request response required.

Sources and study method

This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.