Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group

The Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG) is a bipartisan assembly of over 200 state lawmakers from more than 45 states, brought together by the Future of Privacy Forum. The Group’s primary aim is to foster a shared understanding of emerging technologies and related policy issues.

FPF convenes and provides an administrative platform for the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group and serves as a neutral facilitator. The lawmaker members of the Working Group are responsible for setting the group’s agenda, topics, and discussions, which are presented independent of any legislative or policy positions held by FPF.

If you are a state lawmaker or state regulator (or staffer) looking to join, or an external party with questions, please contact Tatiana Rice ([email protected]).

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Who is able to join or participate in the MAP-WG?

The Group is open to any U.S. state-level senator, representative, or public official, and current members of their staff.

Why does FPF convene the Group? 

In the absence of a comprehensive federal law regulating data privacy or AI, state lawmakers are quickly moving forward with local legislation in response to the rapid advances in AI. This has led to questions about how to craft appropriate, consistent protections for individuals. To promote better communication, idea-sharing, and support among state lawmakers, FPF volunteered to help assist and convene this Group. Given our role as a forum for industry, academics, consumer advocates, civil society and other thought leaders to discuss emerging technologies, ethical standards, privacy protections, and organizational practices, FPF is uniquely positioned to support the Group’s mission.

What is the format and focus of meetings? 

The MAP-WG primarily focuses on artificial intelligence but covers a broad range of subtopics, including areas such as data privacy, enforcement, government and private-sector regulation, AI workforce development, and combating non-consensual intimate images. Meetings alternate between open sessions, where outside experts and speakers are invited to present and participate in roundtable discussions, and closed sessions, reserved for lawmakers and their staff to have candid discussions about issues, approaches, and challenges.

Who sets the topics, agenda, and speakers? 

The MAP-WG’s bipartisan steering committee, chaired by Connecticut Senator James Maroney, collaborates to decide the topics and agenda. FPF assists the steering committee in finding and coordinating speakers with diverse views, including industry experts, legal and technical scholars, civil society leaders, and global and domestic regulators.

Will the MAP-WG draft or endorse model legislation? 

The primary goal of the MAP-WG is to cultivate a shared understanding of technology and related policy issues while fostering connections among lawmakers and facilitating resource sharing. While the group does not aim to advance specific policies, frameworks, or proposals, some lawmakers, including members of the steering committee, may file bills or to release draft model legislation based on their own initiatives.

The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) will act as a neutral facilitator with respect to any future legislative proposals. This may include virtual convenings with a diverse range of stakeholders across industry, academia, civil society, government, and technology sectors. FPF typically does not endorse specific legislative proposals or models. Any model legislation crafted by lawmakers affiliated with the MAP-WG does not imply endorsement by any other MAP-WG members, the steering committee, or FPF. 
More information about FPF’s Legislation work can be found here.

How does the Group interact with FPF Members? 

All MAP-WG sessions operate under Chatham House Rule, meaning that detailed information about conversations and individual perspectives are not shared outside of the session participants, including with other FPF staff. The Group does not interact with FPF Members, except when the steering committee specifically decides to invite an expert who may also be an FPF Member or advisory board member to present on a particular session topic.

I’m a state lawmaker, regulator, or staff member, how do I get involved?

Please email Tatiana Rice ([email protected]).

I’m an AI expert looking to present to this group, can I nominate myself?

While all speakers and topics are collaboratively selected by the MAP-WG Steering Committee (listed below), AI experts with relevant reports, research, or resources are welcome to reach out to Tatiana Rice ([email protected]) to share their work. FPF will review your submission and present it to the Steering Committee for consideration as appropriate.

Lawmaker Steering Committee