PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concern — it’s here now, and Arizona lawmakers say the decisions they make this session could shape the state’s technological trajectory for years to come.
This week, a newly formed House Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation is meeting for the first time as legislators settle into their second week at the Capitol. It’s a rare move that underscores how seriously state leadership is taking the technology’s rapid integration into everyday life.
“AI’s already everywhere,” said Rep. Justin Wilmeth, who will chair the committee. “I’ve been comparing AI a lot to, you know, trying to nail jello on a wall.”
The creation of a standing committee midstream in a legislative session is unusual, but Arizona House leadership determined it was necessary to help chart the state’s technological future.
Wilmeth stressed that the committee’s immediate goal is not to rush into regulation, but to understand a technology that’s becoming increasingly embedded in daily operations across education, the workforce and innovation sectors.
“It’s really an opportunity for us to learn about it, hear about it, discuss it,” Wilmeth said. “How can we harness that technology and use it the most proper way we can for the benefit of the people, while also being responsible stewards of our energy, our land and water?”
Federal pressure and state innovation
The committee’s work comes as the Trump administration signals a more hands-on federal approach to AI regulation. In December, President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to challenge state AI laws — a move that could set up a conflict between state and federal authority over the technology.
Despite the federal pressure, Wilmeth said he believes states should have the ability to develop policies suited to their own needs.
“I’m a Republican, so I’m on the side of smaller government, responsible government, but also I’m a big believer in the states having the ability to, in their own sandbox, come up with policies that work for them,” he said.
The issue appears to transcend party lines. Democratic members of the committee say the focus should be on staying ahead of AI developments rather than reacting to them after the fact.
“We should be getting ahead of it rather than allowing it to happen and then kind of sort of chasing it,” said Rep. Stacey Travers, a committee member.
Travers emphasized that the committee’s role extends beyond lawmakers. She said education — both of legislators and the public — is crucial as Arizona works to understand AI’s implications.
“I think one of the important things of this committee is education of not only our legislators, but our public,” Travers said.
Lawmakers say this is just the beginning of a longer conversation that could define Arizona’s relationship with artificial intelligence and position the state as technology continues to evolve.
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