Future of Privacy Forum Convenes Over 200 State Lawmakers in AI Policy Working Group Focused on 2025 Legislative Sessions

The Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG) is convened by FPF to help state lawmakers from more than 45 states to collaborate on emerging technologies and related policy issues.

OCTOBER 21, 2024 — In the lead-up to the 2025 legislative session, FPF is excited to convene the expanded Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG)—a bipartisan coalition of over 200 state lawmakers from more than 45 states, and highlight the group’s resources in a new dedicated landing page. This lawmaker-led initiative, facilitated by FPF, enables legislators to collaborate on developing a shared understanding of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and to coordinate on related policy issues. In anticipation of significant state-level AI legislation in 2025, the group is expanding its efforts and launching a dedicated landing page (fpf.org/multistateAI) to centrally share its purpose, key resources, and insights with a broader audience. 

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 best craft appropriate, consistent protections for individuals. The MAP-WG seeks to navigate these challenges by fostering collaboration and promoting better understanding of AI technologies. 

FPF serves as a neutral convenor and is proud to be a trusted source of nonpartisan, practical expertise and support. While the group primarily focuses on artificial intelligence, its scope extends to related areas such as data privacy, enforcement, regulation, AI workforce development, and combating non-consensual intimate images.

“To foster better communication, idea-sharing, and support among state legislators, FPF is excited to convene and assist this group,” said Tatiana Rice, FPF’s Deputy Director for U.S. Legislation. “As a forum that brings together industry, academics, consumer advocates, and civil society to discuss emerging technologies and privacy protections, FPF is uniquely positioned to support the group’s mission of promoting the safe and equitable use of AI. We are thrilled to now provide a public resource dedicated to this vital collaboration.” 

Participation in the MAP-WG is open to any U.S. state-level senator, representative, or public official, and current staff members. FPF serves as a neutral facilitator of the group. Meetings include open sessions with the participation of outside experts, and closed sessions reserved for lawmakers and staff.

The MAP-WG’s bipartisan steering committee, chaired by Connecticut Senator James Maroney (D), collaborates to decide the topics and agenda.

Other members of the lawmaker steering committee include:

• Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes (R)
• California Privacy Protection Agency Deputy Director of Policy and Legislation Maureen Mahoney 
• Colorado Senator Robert Rodriguez (D)
• Florida Representative Fiona McFarland (R)
• Maryland Representative Katie Frye-Hester (D)
• Minnesota Representative Steve Elkins (D)
• Minnesota Representative Kristin Bahner (D)
• New York Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D)
• Texas Representative Giovanni Capriglione (R)
• Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D) 

Learn more about the work of the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group here.