Louisiana lawmakers are weighing a series of proposals aimed at regulating artificial intelligence as concerns grow over federal pushback and potential impacts on funding.
Lawmakers have introduced roughly 20 bills this legislative session focused on how artificial intelligence is used, including proposals addressing digital impersonation, workplace decisions and interactions with minors.
However, several of those efforts have already stalled. Lawmakers say questions remain about whether state-level regulations could conflict with federal policy, leading some to pull back or pause their proposals.
The uncertainty comes amid a broader effort in Washington to create a nationwide standard for artificial intelligence regulation. A directive issued late last year signaled that states could face financial consequences, including losing funding for broadband expansion and other technology programs, if their laws do not align with federal priorities.
Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry said lawmakers are working to navigate those concerns while continuing conversations with federal officials.
Henry said he has spoken with the White House and provided a list of proposed House and Senate bills for review to determine which could raise concerns. He said federal leaders are focused on a broader national approach, while states are often dealing with more specific issues.
At the same time, Henry said lawmakers are weighing whether they can afford to wait for federal action as artificial intelligence continues to evolve quickly.
The debate comes as a case in New Orleans is drawing attention to how artificial intelligence can be misused.
A former teacher, Benoit Cransac, is facing 60 additional felony counts after investigators said he used artificial intelligence to create explicit images using real photos of girls.
According to court documents, the images were created using photos taken from social media and altered while preserving the identities of those depicted. Investigators believe several of the victims are from the New Orleans area, including some students.
Cransac had previously been arrested on charges tied to child sexual abuse material and video voyeurism. The latest charges mark the third time he has been booked in connection with the investigation.
During a recent court appearance, a judge set bond on the new charges at $75,000 per count, bringing the total to more than $8 million.
Cransac’s attorney, Ralph Whalen, said he has not yet received discovery in the case and has not reviewed the alleged images. He also questioned the bond amount and said it should not function as punishment before a case is decided.
Lawmakers say the case is raising questions about whether current laws go far enough.
State Rep. Bryan Fontenot said the case highlights how artificial intelligence is advancing faster than current laws.
Fontenot said his bill would expand current law beyond the creation of images to include the sharing, distribution and intentional possession of artificial intelligence-generated content. Already his bill has support across party lines.
He said there is currently no statute addressing the dissemination of these images, which lawmakers are now working to address.
Already his bill has support across party lines.
Fontenot also said he plans to add language specifically targeting cases involving educators who create explicit images of students, calling those situations especially concerning, given the level of trust placed in teachers.
He said lawmakers are also trying to balance how the law applies to minors versus adults, particularly when those in positions of authority are involved.
Fontenot said the issue is not unique to Louisiana and compared the current moment to the early days of the internet, when laws struggled to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology.
Henry said the case is an example of why lawmakers feel pressure to act, even as they continue to navigate federal concerns and evolving technology.
Lawmakers say discussions are ongoing as they determine how to regulate artificial intelligence without conflicting with federal policy.
READ MORE:State lawmakers reassess AI proposals amid federal pressure and emerging cases
