The landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation is rapidly evolving, marked by a surge in legislative activity across the globe. In the United States, the first two months of 2025 have witnessed an unprecedented number of AI-related bills being proposed, signaling a significant shift in how lawmakers are approaching this transformative technology.

According to data from MultiState, a consulting firm that tracks legislative developments, the number of pending AI bills in the U.S. has already surpassed the total number proposed in all of 2024. As of early March 2025, there were 781 pending AI bills, exceeding the 743 bills introduced in 2024. This surge contrasts sharply with the legislative activity in 2023 when fewer than 200 AI-related bills were proposed at the state and federal levels.

Several recently proposed laws highlight the diverse areas of AI regulation being considered. Maryland’s H.B. 1331 seeks to regulate the development and use of high-risk AI in consequential decisions. Texas is considering the expansive Texas Responsible AI Governance Act, while Massachusetts’ HD 3750 would require healthcare insurance providers to disclose their use of AI in reviewing insurance claims. These examples underscore the growing concern among lawmakers about the potential impact of AI on various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and public services.

The surge in state-level AI legislation in the U.S. is attributed to the lack of comprehensive action at the federal level. Congress has yet to pass a comprehensive AI framework comparable to the European Union’s AI Act. The current administration has also not prioritized aggressive AI governance, focusing instead on promoting AI development “free from ideological bias.” This inaction has created a void that state lawmakers are attempting to fill, resulting in a patchwork of AI regulations across the country.

Meanwhile, China is also intensifying its focus on AI legislation. The National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China's top legislative body, has announced plans to prioritize research and legislation in emerging sectors such as AI, the digital economy, and big data. The Standing Committee of the 14th NPC plans to deliberate on 34 bills this year, with a focus on high-quality legislative work.

In addition to AI, China's legislative agenda includes laws to promote ethnic unity, the private sector, and financial stability. The country is also working on compiling an environmental code, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing various societal and economic challenges.

The global landscape of AI regulation is becoming increasingly complex, with different countries and regions adopting distinct approaches. The U.S. is grappling with a surge in state-level legislation amid federal inaction, while China is taking a more centralized approach to AI governance. As AI technology continues to evolve, the need for clear and effective regulations will only intensify, requiring ongoing collaboration and dialogue among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public.