State-level Democrats and Republicans Demonstrate Collaboration on Key Legislative Issues for 2026 Session

State-level Democrats and Republicans are demonstrating collaboration on significant legislative issues for the 2026 session, a contrast to the partisan divisions often seen at the federal level.

Regulating Artificial Intelligence

Legislators in most states are pursuing initiatives to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and manage the increasing number of data centers that support AI operations.

According to David Primo, a professor at the University of Rochester, technology issues have altered traditional ideological alignments, creating opportunities for bipartisan solutions to perceived problems.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, supports an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights. This proposed legislation includes:

• Prohibiting the use of a person's name, image, or likeness without consent.
• Requiring parental permission for individuals under 18 to interact with companion chatbots.
• Mandating that chatbots identify themselves as non-human.

DeSantis has stated concerns about potential negative societal impacts if AI is not properly addressed, emphasizing the need to regulate tech companies that may prioritize profits over user safety.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is advocating for further restrictions on chatbots, building on existing requirements for bots to identify themselves as non-humans. Her proposals include banning chatbots within social media applications for users under 18 and limiting how bots can interact with young people. Hochul aims to shift responsibility for these protections from parents to app companies and platforms.

Despite a previous executive order from Trump attempting to prevent states from individually regulating AI, nearly every state has proposals ranging from requiring human oversight for AI-driven employment decisions to blocking AI surveillance used for differential consumer pricing.

Data Center Pushback

As demand for AI grows, so does the need for data centers, which require substantial electricity and water. This demand has raised concerns in various states.

In Florida, lawmakers are addressing potential impacts on the power grid, water usage, and the possibility of increased utility costs for residents. Governor DeSantis has expressed skepticism regarding claims that data centers significantly contribute to job creation or lower property tax rates.

South Dakota is considering legislation to prevent the state from overriding local government decisions on data center regulations. Oklahoma is also evaluating bills to mitigate the impact of data center expansion.

While Trump has generally supported the growth of data centers, he has called for tech companies to be responsible for their own power needs, suggesting they build their own power plants to control price increases for consumers. His administration aims to require tech companies building new centers to pay more for electricity.

Democratic lawmakers in New York and Maine, along with Republicans in Oklahoma, are proposing temporary bans on data centers. New York's Public Service Commission is examining the issue to ensure data centers contribute their fair share.

Colorado has a proposal requiring data centers to use renewable energy. Many states, with bipartisan support, are exploring the expansion of nuclear energy as a power source for AI.

Tech companies are opposing many of these legislative proposals, citing challenges in complying with diverse state laws and potential negative impacts on innovation. They are reportedly investing in political campaigns to influence policy decisions.

Housing

Rising housing costs are a concern for both political parties nationwide.

In Florida, a bill to ease restrictions on accessory dwelling units passed the state Senate with full bipartisan support. DeSantis proposes addressing affordable housing through property tax cuts, a move criticized by state Democrats who suggest that decreasing property insurance rates would be a more effective approach.

Lawmakers in New York and other states are working to streamline environmental regulations. Numerous states are considering proposals to reduce building regulations, enhance tenants' rights, and improve rental housing conditions. These initiatives demonstrate a bipartisan embrace of ideas traditionally associated with one party or the other.