States are the Stewards of the People’s Trust in AI

2026-04-06 · Source: Tech Policy Press · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Regulatory & Compliance · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Public trust in artificial intelligence is low, with 66 percent of registered voters concerned about AI and only one in ten Americans feeling control over its use, according to recent Fox News and Pew Research Center polls. The 2026 International AI Safety Report highlights immediate harms, especially to children, and potential existential threats. The article argues that states are best positioned to balance AI's risks and rewards, build defenses, and seize opportunities, given their historical role in regulating public health, safety, and various industries. States possess broad constitutional powers to set standards and processes for innovation, influencing sectors from healthcare to education and occupational safety, where AI adoption is rapidly expanding. This state-level governance is crucial for ensuring AI safety and accountability, which are prerequisites for commercial success and public trust.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering navigating AI adoption, recognize that state-level regulations and incentives will significantly shape your deployment strategies and market access. Prioritize AI safety and accountability measures proactively, as states hold substantial authority in highly regulated sectors like healthcare and education. Aligning with emerging state-specific AI governance frameworks will be crucial for earning public trust and ensuring long-term commercial viability, potentially through engagement with state attorneys general or insurance commissioners.

Key insights

States are critical for building public trust and ensuring AI safety through comprehensive, adaptable governance frameworks.

Principles

• Public trust is essential for AI's commercial success.
• States are primary regulators for public health and safety.
• AI governance requires a blend of hard and soft power.

Method

Implement a "whole-of-state" AI governance approach combining new laws, existing regulations, non-legally binding norms, and technical standards, adapting to AI's rapid evolution and potential risks.

In practice

• Governors can use executive orders to elevate AI safety.
• State agencies can influence industry through guidance.
• Interstate compacts can create de facto national AI policy.

Topics

• Public Trust in AI
• State AI Policy
• AI Governance
• Regulatory Authority
• Whole-of-State Approach

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, Policy Maker, Legal Professional, Executive

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Tech Policy Press.