Trump EO impacts new artificial intelligence laws in Virginia

Source Domain: www.wvtf.org

During the 2026 legislative session, numerous bills proposed for regulating artificial intelligence (AI) were introduced but ultimately did not pass.
The potential influence of AI in various sectors has led to concerns about regulation, especially given that AI remains largely unregulated.
President Trump signed an executive order in December aiming for a national framework instead of state-based regulations, which impacted the legislative efforts in Virginia due to threats related to federal broadband funding.
Chesapeake Delegate Cliff Hayes had a bill aimed at establishing a framework for trusted AI providers but withdrew it, citing the threat to the state’s $1.48 billion in broadband funding.
Senator Tara Durant’s bill to regulate chat bots interactions with children was also killed, despite concerns about the risks these bots pose to young users.
A more limited AI-related law passed, requiring the Virginia Department of Education to develop guidelines on AI use in schools, although this is seen as insufficient by its author.
Delegate Hayes announced plans for new AI regulations focusing on youth AI chat bot interactions, possibly by 2027, although the availability of federal funding remains uncertain.

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