US State AI Law Patchwork Intensifies as Federal Preemption Debate Remains Unresolved

Summary

As of April 2026, state lawmakers in 45 states have introduced 1,561 AI-related bills — unprecedented legislative momentum that is materializing into an increasingly fragmented compliance environment. Colorado's AI Act (SB 24-205), which regulates "high-risk AI" in "consequential decisions," has been delayed from February 1 to June 30, 2026. California's AB 2013 became effective January 1, 2026, requiring transparency on training data. Texas's RAIGA and California's Transparency in Frontier AI A