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HR 425

A Resolution urging the United States Congress to suspend any and all efforts to pass Federal legislation that would impose a moratorium on state-level artificial intelligence regulation; recognizing the potential benefits along with the risks of misuse and systemic harm of artificial intelligence; acknowledging the importance of state regulation of such technologies; and reaffirming the Pennsylvania General Assembly's sovereign authority to legislate for the protection of Pennsylvanians.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 6 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania urges Congress to resist a federal moratorium on state AI regulation and to honor the state's authority to regulate AI for public welfare.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 425

Overview

  • Bill: HR 425 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania
  • Type: House Resolution
  • Introduced: March 5, 2026
  • Referred: Committee on Communications and Technology
  • Status: Reported as committed (April 29, 2026); laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71) on June 24, 2026
  • Purpose: Urge the U.S. Congress to suspend federal efforts to impose a moratorium on state- and local-level AI regulation; affirm Pennsylvania’s sovereign authority to regulate AI; emphasize the value and risks of AI; oppose preemption of state regulations by federal action.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To advocate for federal non-preemption of AI regulation at the state level.
  • To recognize both potential benefits and risks of AI, including misuse and systemic harm.
  • To reaffirm Pennsylvania’s sovereign authority to regulate AI in the interest of protecting Pennsylvanians.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  • Urges Congress to suspend any federal legislation that would impose a blanket moratorium on state or local AI regulation.
  • Acknowledges the importance of state regulation to address AI-related harms and to build public trust through transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.
  • Asserts Pennsylvania’s sovereign right to legislate on AI and emerging technologies.

Specific directives within the resolution:
1) Reaffirms Pennsylvania’s constitutional and legislative authority to regulate AI for residents’ welfare.
2) Urges Congress to withdraw, amend, or oppose any federal moratorium on state/local AI regulation.
3) Urges President (specifically references President Trump) and the U.S. Department of Justice to cease threats of legal action against state AI laws or to refrain from tying broadband funding to such actions.
4) Calls on Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to advocate for a regulatory framework that respects state authority, supports innovation, and protects public welfare.
5) Directs the Chief Clerk to transmit copies of the resolution to federal officials including the White House, U.S. Senate, U.S. House Speaker, and all Pennsylvania members of Congress.

Who/What Would be Affected

  • Federal policy landscape: The resolution seeks to influence federal stance on preemption and AI regulation, aiming to prevent a federal moratorium that would restrict state actions.
  • State regulation of AI: Reinforces and supports Pennsylvania’s ongoing and future state-level AI laws and regulatory efforts.
  • Congressional and executive actions: Encourages opposition to blanket federal preemption and to cessation of actions that threaten state AI regulation or broadband funding tied to such regulation.
  • Public governance and accountability: Frames AI governance as a state-specified responsibility with potential governance tools (ethics, transparency, accountability standards).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced March 5, 2026; referred March 9, 2026 to the Committee on Communications and Technology.
  • Committee action: Reported as committed on April 29, 2026.
  • Floor action: Laid on the table on June 24, 2026 (per Rule 71), effectively concluding its progression in the current session unless resumed or reconsidered.
  • Communication duties: If enacted as a resolution, the chief clerk would transmit copies to federal leadership and Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation.

Significance

  • Symbolic and aspirational role: Sends a clear message of support for state-level AI governance and resistance to federal preemption.
  • Policy signal: Highlights bipartisan acknowledgment in Pennsylvania of state-led approaches to AI regulation and the need to balance innovation with public safety and civil rights.
  • Not a law: As a concurrent resolution, it does not create binding legal obligations but articulates the General Assembly’s policy stance and urges federal actors to align with it.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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