The Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group is no longer managed by FPF, starting from February 25, 2025.
The Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG) is a bipartisan coalition of over 200 state lawmakers from more than 45 states, working together to navigate the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. The group, convened by the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF), serves as a neutral facilitator, fostering collaboration and promoting a better understanding of AI technologies.
The MAP-WG's bipartisan steering committee, chaired by Connecticut Senator James Maroney (D), collaborates to decide the topics and agenda. Members of the committee include Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes (R), California Privacy Protection Agency Deputy Director of Policy and Legislation Maureen Mahoney, Colorado Senator Robert Rodriguez (D), Florida Representative Fiona McFarland (R), Maryland Senator Katie Fry Hester (D), Minnesota Representative Steve Elkins (D) and Kristin Bahner (D), New York Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D), Texas Representative Giovanni Capriglione (R), and Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D).
The group focuses on developing a shared understanding of emerging technologies, particularly AI, and coordinating on related policy issues. Its scope extends to related areas such as data privacy, enforcement, regulation, AI workforce development, and combating non-consensual intimate images.
The MAP-WG's efforts are expanding, and it has launched a dedicated landing page (our website/multistateAI) to share its purpose, resources, and insights more broadly. FPF, an independent think tank that facilitates expert, bipartisan conversations on emerging technologies, including AI, and supports pragmatic solutions, has been instrumental in this initiative.
It's important to note that FPF did not play any role in the Texas AI bill sponsored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-TX) and has not taken a position on it. FPF's work supports the group, but it does not import European-style regulation into US states. The organisation agrees with Vice President JD Vance's view that American leadership on AI is necessary.
In the absence of federal AI legislation, states like California, Virginia, Colorado, Utah, and Connecticut have enacted their own comprehensive AI or consumer privacy laws, signaling a multistate trend toward state-level policymaking. The White House’s AI Action Plan aims to coordinate federal AI research and development, recognising the ongoing “patchwork” of state laws. This multistate patchwork has prompted calls for harmonization, with states potentially pressured to align with federal frameworks for economic competitiveness and legal clarity.
In this context, MAP-WG or similar multistate collaborative groups serve to align state AI policymaking, reduce fragmentation, and provide forums for sharing best practices on AI governance challenges. Their role is significant in shaping the U.S. AI regulatory landscape at the subnational level and informing policy development in an environment where federal AI laws remain under development or are minimal.
FPF values the trust of stakeholders across the political spectrum and believes that Republicans and Democrats can find common ground and solutions to address issues raised by emerging technologies. The organisation serves as a neutral convenor and is a trusted source of nonpartisan, practical expertise and support for the MAP-WG.
However, due to misperceptions about the group, FPF will be withdrawing from its work supporting the Working Group. Despite this, the organisation remains committed to its non-partisan and transparent approach in its work. FPF has neither sought nor received grant support for its work facilitating the multistate group or for other work regarding state legislation.
In conclusion, the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group is a vital initiative that fosters collaboration among state lawmakers to address the challenges of AI regulation. Its work is instrumental in shaping the U.S. AI regulatory landscape and informing policy development in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
- The Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG) is a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, working together to navigate the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, fostered by the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF).
- The MAP-WG's scope extends to related areas such as data privacy, enforcement, and regulation, and it also focuses on AI workforce development and combating non-consensual intimate images.
- FPF, an independent think tank, has been instrumental in launching a dedicated landing page for the MAP-WG to share its purpose, resources, and insights.
- In the absence of federal AI legislation, states like California, Virginia, Colorado, Utah, and Connecticut have enacted their own comprehensive AI or consumer privacy laws, indicating a multistate trend toward state-level policymaking.
- MAP-WG plays a significant role in aligning state AI policymaking, reducing fragmentation, and providing forums for sharing best practices on AI governance challenges.
- FPF values the trust of stakeholders across the political spectrum and serves as a neutral convenor, providing nonpartisan, practical expertise and support for the MAP-WG.
- Despite misperceptions about the group, FPF will be withdrawing from its work supporting the Working Group, yet remains committed to its non-partisan and transparent approach in its work, without seeking or receiving grant support for its initiatives.
