BLACKBURN REMOVES A.I. MORATORIUM FROM TRUMP’S BILL
On July 1, 2025, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) successfully removed a controversial AI moratorium from President Trump’s tax and policy bill, which initially proposed a 10-year ban on states enforcing AI-related laws.
After criticism from children’s safety and music groups, Blackburn and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) revised the moratorium to 5 years, aiming to protect children and artists. However, concerns about legal loopholes persisted.
Blackburn’s amendment to strike the moratorium passed 99-1 in the Senate. She argued that the provision could allow Big Tech to exploit vulnerable groups and emphasized the need for federal legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act.
Tennessee’s 2024 ELVIS Act, protecting artists from unauthorized AI use of their voice and likeness, remains enforceable.
