Torrez joins coalition opposing federal block on state AI laws
Attorney General Raúl Torrez joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 30 attorneys general opposing a proposed federal moratorium that could bar states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence laws.
New Mexico attorney general signs onto letter urging Congress not to impose a moratorium that would prevent states from enforcing artificial intelligence regulations
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
ALBUQUERQUE - Attorney General Raúl Torrez has joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 30 attorneys general urging Congress not to move forward with a proposed federal moratorium that would prevent states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence laws.
In a letter dated Nov. 25, the attorneys general warn that Congress is considering language that could be inserted into federal defense or spending legislation to temporarily block state and local governments from regulating AI. The coalition argues that such a move would leave consumers unprotected at a time when Congress has not enacted comprehensive national safeguards.
“While Congress continues to stall on meaningful AI safeguards, states like New Mexico have been doing the real work,” Torrez said in a statement. “We led the push for responsible AI regulation during the last legislative session, and we are gearing up to do it again because our communities cannot wait. Any effort by Washington to prohibit state AI laws is not only shortsighted — it’s dangerous. Until the federal government enacts real comprehensive protections, states must retain the authority to protect consumers workers and democratic institutions from the misuse of AI.”
The coalition’s letter cites growing concerns about harmful uses of artificial intelligence, including scams that use AI-generated voices or images to target older adults, inappropriate interactions between chatbots and children and instances where AI systems may reinforce self-harm or suicidal ideation. The attorneys general also point to risks associated with AI-generated misinformation, robocalls deceptive advertising and data privacy violations.
State officials argue that a broad federal moratorium would undercut laws and enforcement efforts already adopted or under consideration in multiple states. The coalition warns that blocking state action without replacing it with robust federal protections could create a regulatory gap that weakens consumer and public safety.
New Mexico lawmakers considered several AI-related measures during the 2025 legislative session, including House Bill 401, the Artificial Intelligence Synthetic Content Accountability Act, which would have created civil and criminal penalties for certain harmful uses of AI-generated “synthetic content.” The measure did not pass and was postponed indefinitely. Another proposal, House Bill 60, the Artificial Intelligence Act, also advanced discussion around disclosure and accountability for high-risk AI systems but did not clear the Legislature.
Torrez previously cited those measures as examples of the type of state-level oversight he believes remains necessary as AI technology evolves.
In the latest letter, the coalition urges Congress to work collaboratively with states on national AI standards while allowing state governments to retain the ability to respond to emerging risks and protect residents through locally enforced laws.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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