Introduction: Bridging the AI Policy Gap Between States and Washington
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries ranging from healthcare and transportation to education and finance, the demand for thoughtful, forward-looking policy has never been more urgent. The rapid pace of AI innovation is outstripping existing regulations, leaving lawmakers scrambling to catch up. While federal AI legislation remains in early stages often slowed by bureaucratic gridlock and political divides state governments have begun to emerge as nimble laboratories of innovation, crafting their own frameworks to address AI-related challenges and opportunities.
Recognizing this decentralized momentum, the National Task Force on State AI Policy was launched as a bipartisan initiative to empower states in navigating AI governance. The task force aims to provide resources, model legislation, and collaborative platforms to help states build ethical, effective, and adaptable AI policies tailored to their unique needs and communities.
At the helm of this pioneering national effort is Utah State Representative Doug Fiefia, a first-term lawmaker with a strong background in the tech industry and a vision for bridging the policy divide between Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill. Fiefia’s leadership reflects a broader generational and ideological shift in American politics one where younger, tech-savvy lawmakers are increasingly stepping up to address the complex implications of emerging technologies. His appointment also underscores a growing consensus that future-focused policymaking must be both proactive and inclusive, with diverse voices shaping the national AI discourse from the ground up.
By uniting state-level initiatives under a national framework, the task force seeks not only to close the gap between Washington and the states but also to ensure the United States remains a global leader in ethical and innovative AI development.
Who Is Doug Fiefia?
Representative Doug Fiefia (R–Herriman, Utah) stands at the intersection of technology, education, and public policy. A first-term legislator elected to the Utah House of Representatives in January 2025, Fiefia has quickly made a name for himself as a results-driven, future-focused leader. What sets him apart is his professional pedigree: before entering public office, Fiefia held a position at Google, where he worked on initiatives that exposed him to the cutting edge of digital innovation. He also holds an MBA from Rice University, equipping him with a strong foundation in strategic decision-making and business leadership.
Despite his relatively short time in office, Fiefia has wasted no time diving into some of the most pressing issues of the digital age data privacy, tech regulation, cybersecurity, and the responsible implementation of AI. His legislative work reflects a proactive approach to emerging technologies, focusing on how innovation can benefit citizens without compromising their rights or safety.
Fiefia’s appointment as co-chair of the National Task Force on State AI Policy signals more than personal recognition it highlights Utah’s growing reputation as a forward-thinking hub for tech policy experimentation. His leadership style combines technical literacy with a collaborative, bipartisan ethos, making him well-positioned to guide state lawmakers across the country in crafting smart, ethical AI legislation. In an era where many lawmakers struggle to keep pace with technological advancements, Fiefia represents a new generation of digitally fluent policymakers ready to shape the future.
About the National Task Force on State AI Policy
Launched by Future Caucus: Empowering a New Generation of Policymakers
The National Task Force on State AI Policy was launched by the Future Caucus, a leading nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to empowering Gen Z and millennial lawmakers across the United States. Recognizing that AI is rapidly reshaping every aspect of society from education and employment to national security and civil rights Future Caucus established the task force to address a growing void in state-level AI governance. While national conversations about AI are often mired in federal gridlock, states are uniquely positioned to act swiftly and creatively. The task force was created to support these efforts with resources, model legislation, and cross-state collaboration.
By targeting younger legislators, the task force aims to ensure that the individuals shaping AI policy are those most in tune with the digital era and the ethical challenges it presents. These emerging leaders are often more tech-savvy, more open to innovation, and more connected to the communities most impacted by AI technologies.
Bipartisan Co-Chair Leadership: Unity in Innovation
At the helm of the task force is Representative Doug Fiefia (R–Utah), bringing a strong tech industry background, and Representative Monique Priestley (D–Vermont), a well-known advocate for digital rights and youth online safety. Priestley gained national recognition for her work on Vermont’s trailblazing legislation to protect minors' data and ensure safer digital experiences for younger users.
This bipartisan co-chair structure is a cornerstone of the task force’s identity and purpose. By bringing together leaders from both sides of the political spectrum, the initiative avoids the partisan deadlock that often stifles innovation at the federal level. Instead, it promotes pragmatic, inclusive policymaking focused on creating safe, ethical, and forward-looking AI frameworks that can be adopted and adapted by states nationwide.
Ultimately, the task force serves as a collaborative policy lab, where lawmakers can learn from one another, draft legislation, and ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that serve the public good without waiting on Washington to lead the way.
Core Goals and Responsibilities of the Task Force
The National Task Force on State AI Policy is more than a symbolic gesture it is a strategic and action-driven body with a mission to guide states through the complex, fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. With real-world consequences at stake, the task force has been entrusted with several key responsibilities that aim to shape state-level AI legislation, promote ethical innovation, and ensure that emerging technologies serve the public interest. Its work is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and future-readiness.
- 🧠 Serving as a National AI Policy Brain Trust: The task force functions as a collaborative think tank, uniting state lawmakers from across the U.S. to develop a shared set of principles for responsible AI governance. These principles are designed to balance innovation with oversight, ensuring AI tools are safe, fair, and aligned with democratic values. Topics include ethical design, algorithmic transparency, digital equity, and community impact.
- 📢 Hosting Public Hearings and Confidential Briefings: To remain grounded in real-world experiences, the task force will host public hearings, expert panels, and closed-door briefings to examine how AI is impacting critical sectors such as:
- Education – from personalized learning tools to student data privacy
- Public Safety – including predictive policing and surveillance technologies
- Finance and Housing – analyzing AI-driven credit scoring and housing discrimination
- Healthcare – assessing diagnostic tools, patient data usage, and accessibility
- 📄 Publishing a Bipartisan State AI Policy Memo: One of the task force’s cornerstone deliverables will be a comprehensive, bipartisan AI policy memo. This document will serve as a practical legislative roadmap, offering model laws, regulatory frameworks, and implementation strategies tailored for state governments. It’s meant to streamline policymaking and provide consistency while allowing flexibility for state-specific adaptations.
- 🔁 Facilitating Cross-State Collaboration: A key pillar of the task force’s approach is facilitating ongoing collaboration among states. By creating networks for lawmakers to exchange ideas and solutions, the task force will help:
- Identify regulatory gaps and common challenges
- Share best practices and case studies
- Align on critical issues like algorithmic bias, AI liability, privacy standards, and transparency requirements
- 🧪 Advising on Future Caucus Programs: The task force will also advise and contribute to Future Caucus programs focused on AI and digital transformation. These include:
- Innovation labs where legislators can test policy concepts
- AI toolkits and resources to help lawmakers understand technical issues
- Training and workshops designed to raise AI literacy among public officials and staff
Why Fiefia? Utah’s Leadership in AI Innovation
Representative Doug Fiefia’s appointment as co-chair of the National Task Force on State AI Policy is not just about personal qualifications it’s also a reflection of Utah’s emergence as a national leader in tech governance and responsible AI development. Under Fiefia’s leadership and in collaboration with forward-thinking lawmakers, Utah has taken bold steps to balance innovation with public protection.
Below are key legislative milestones that illustrate both Fiefia’s impact and Utah’s pioneering role in state-level AI policy:
- 📱 HB 418 – Data Portability Legislation: One of Fiefia’s standout accomplishments is his work on House Bill 418, a landmark data portability law. This legislation requires large technology platforms to allow users to transfer their personal data such as phone numbers, photos, or contacts from one service to another. This enhances consumer choice, reduces platform monopolies, and encourages healthy competition in the tech ecosystem. By empowering users with control over their own data, Fiefia helped promote transparency, interoperability, and digital freedom.
- 🚫 Opposing Federal AI Moratorium: When a 10-year federal moratorium on state AI laws was quietly inserted into a congressional spending bill, Fiefia emerged as a vocal critic and strategist against the measure. He saw the hidden provision as a threat to state autonomy and legislative agility. By leading the effort to oppose the moratorium, Fiefia helped preserve Utah’s and other states’ ability to respond quickly to AI developments with customized policy solutions. His actions exemplify a belief in local innovation over centralized stagnation.
- 🤖 Utah’s Artificial Intelligence Policy Act (S.B. 149): Enacted in May 2024, Senate Bill 149 solidified Utah’s status as a national AI policy trailblazer. Key features of this law include:
- The creation of the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, tasked with guiding statewide AI strategies
- The launch of an AI Learning Laboratory, aimed at exploring real-world applications of AI in sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation
- Mandatory disclosure and transparency rules for companies using generative AI in consumer-facing products and services
By institutionalizing AI oversight and education, this legislation ensures Utah is not only regulating but actively shaping the future of AI innovation.
A Natural Fit for National Leadership
The Broader Context: States Take the Lead on AI Governance
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in society, the gap between technological advancement and federal policymaking is becoming increasingly apparent. Congress has struggled to pass comprehensive AI legislation, often due to partisan divides, regulatory complexity, and a lack of technical fluency among lawmakers. This slow pace at the federal level has created a policy vacuum one that state governments are now stepping in to fill.
Across the country, states are acting as testbeds for AI governance, experimenting with policies that address real-time challenges in areas like:
- Algorithmic transparency – ensuring citizens understand how automated systems make decisions
- Bias and discrimination – developing safeguards against unfair treatment in hiring, housing, or credit
- Public sector applications – regulating the use of AI in law enforcement, education, and healthcare
- Data privacy and ownership – giving individuals more control over how their personal data is used by AI systems
This state-level experimentation is vital. It enables policymakers to respond more quickly to emerging risks, craft targeted legislation suited to local contexts, and set early precedents that could one day form the basis for national standards.
The National Task Force on State AI Policy is designed to amplify this momentum. By bringing together Gen Z and millennial legislators, many of whom are digital natives, the task force ensures that the people shaping AI policy are those most attuned to the technology’s risks, rewards, and societal implications. These younger lawmakers are not only more fluent in the tools of the digital age they also bring fresh perspectives on ethics, equity, and innovation.
By supporting these forward-thinking leaders and helping states learn from one another, the task force is helping build a bottom-up, bipartisan movement for smarter AI governance one that doesn’t wait for Washington to act, but leads the way toward a safer, fairer, and more innovative future.
What’s Next for the Task Force?
- 📝 Applications Open for New Members: The task force is actively seeking young state lawmakers who are passionate about AI policy and eager to help craft responsible, forward-thinking legislation. Interested legislators can submit their applications through the Future Caucus platform. The application window is open until mid-September 2025, with final selections expected to be announced by early October. This recruitment effort ensures a diverse, dynamic group of policymakers who represent a broad range of states and perspectives.
- 📘 Development of the Bipartisan State AI Policy Memo: One of the task force’s key upcoming projects is the release of a comprehensive Bipartisan State AI Policy Memo. Scheduled for publication later this year, the memo will provide:
- Clear guidance on AI safety protocols
- Ethical frameworks for the responsible use of AI
- Recommendations to improve algorithmic transparency
- Strategies to incentivize innovation while protecting consumers and communities
- 🛠️ Launch of Innovation Labs: To support real-world policymaking, the Future Caucus plans to launch innovation labs in conjunction with the task force. These labs will:
- Serve as experimental spaces where legislators can test new AI policy ideas
- Provide technical expertise and resources to help lawmakers understand complex AI issues
- Offer real-time support to states as they develop and refine legislation
Conclusion: A Milestone for Responsible AI Governance
Representative Doug Fiefia’s appointment as co-chair of the National Task Force on State AI Policy represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of how America governs emerging technologies. Combining his deep private-sector experience with a track record of forward-thinking legislative achievements, Fiefia embodies the kind of pragmatic, future-ready leadership necessary to navigate the complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
As AI technologies continue to transform the social, economic, and political fabric of the nation, the task force’s collaborative and bipartisan work will be essential in ensuring that states remain at the forefront of responsible, ethical, and responsive AI regulation. The partnership between Fiefia and co-chair Representative Monique Priestley symbolizes a new generation of leaders tech-savvy, inclusive, and committed to balancing innovation with public trust.
This task force’s model could well become the blueprint for how state and local governments nationwide engage with AI, fostering policies that protect citizens, encourage innovation, and prepare communities for a rapidly changing digital future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- It is a bipartisan initiative launched by the Future Caucus to support U.S. states in developing ethical, effective, and adaptable AI governance. The task force provides resources, model legislation, and collaboration platforms to help states create forward-looking AI policies.
- Federal AI legislation is still in early stages and often slowed by political gridlock. Meanwhile, states are innovating rapidly and crafting their own AI regulations. The task force helps unify these efforts and amplifies state leadership on AI governance.
- The task force is co-chaired by Utah State Representative Doug Fiefia (R), a tech industry veteran, and Vermont Representative Monique Priestley (D), an advocate for digital rights and youth online safety. Their bipartisan leadership promotes inclusive and pragmatic AI policymaking.
- Fiefia has a background working at Google and holds an MBA from Rice University. Since taking office in January 2025, he has led initiatives on data privacy, tech regulation, and AI policy. His legislative successes and tech expertise position him as a forward-thinking leader in AI governance.
- Develop shared AI governance principles among states
- Host public hearings and briefings on AI’s impact in key sectors
- Publish a bipartisan policy memo with model legislation
- Facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing between states
- Advise Future Caucus on innovation labs, toolkits, and training for legislators
- It offers resources, expert guidance, and opportunities to collaborate across states. Future initiatives include innovation labs for testing policy ideas and training programs to increase AI literacy among legislators.
- Utah has passed landmark laws like HB 418 on data portability, opposed restrictive federal moratoriums on state AI laws, and enacted the Artificial Intelligence Policy Act (S.B. 149), which created an Office of AI Policy and an AI Learning Laboratory. Doug Fiefia played a key role in these initiatives.
- States can act quickly to address local AI impacts, experiment with new governance models, and tailor policies to their communities. Their efforts often serve as testbeds for innovations that can inform national standards.
- Young state lawmakers, particularly Gen Z and millennials interested in AI policy, can apply through the Future Caucus. The application period closes mid-September 2025, with selections announced by early October.
- Upcoming milestones include opening membership applications, publishing the bipartisan AI policy memo later this year, and launching innovation labs to help lawmakers develop and test AI regulations.
- It represents a generational and bipartisan shift in AI governance, emphasizing proactive, inclusive policymaking at the state level. The task force’s work may serve as a model for how states and local governments engage with AI responsibly and innovatively.
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