A Missouri State Senator is Leading the Way in Responsible AI Regulation
Despite a recent Executive Order by President Trump prohibiting state level regulation, common sense guardrails are being proposed.
This news story is actually very encouraging to me. It really illustrates the importance of challenging a given situation, even if the cards are stacked against you. I hope my readers are able to take some solace in this news, as well. As someone that tends to evaluate risk and tries to avoid future issues before they happen, the topic of AI and all of the ways it can go wrong, is something I probably think about way too much. Before we get into the guest post and video, let’s review where we are today, as far as executive orders related to AI.
President Trump’s AI Executive Orders - Summary to Date
So far, the President has signed 5 Executive Orders related to AI.
Executive Order 14179 (January 23, 2025): “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,“ which revoked the previous Biden-era AI order and mandated an action plan.
Executive Order 14318 (July 23, 2025): “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure,“ aimed at streamlining construction for AI-related energy and data centers.
Executive Order 14319 (July 23, 2025): “Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government“ was signed alongside the infrastructure and export orders to address ideological bias in federal AI procurement.
Executive Order 14320 (July 23, 2025): “Promoting the Export of the American AI Technology Stack,“ designed to support the global deployment of U.S.-origin AI technologies.
Executive Order 14365 (December 11, 2025): “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence,” which sought to challenge and preempt excessive state-level AI regulations.
More recently at the end of March, the White House released the National Policy Framework for AI, which consists of legislative recommendations for Congress ‘to win the AI race’. This race is being fueled by a ‘winner takes all’ mentality, as far as the First Nation to develop it, holds a strategic advantage. We all know that things tend to get missed when we are rushed. State of Missouri Senator Joe Nicola(R), recognizes this and has pumped the brakes to protect Missouri residents.
The New American - “States Must Deal With AI Risks Despite Executive Order: Sen. Joe Nicola” 4/22/2026
By Alex Newman
*16 minute (video) interview below 👇
Despite an executive order by President Donald Trump purporting to prohibit any state-level regulation or controls over Artificial Intelligence, state governments must put in place guardrails to ensure accountability and protect the public, explained Missouri Senator Joe Nicola (R) in this interview with The New American magazine’s Alex Newman on Conversations That Matter.
Sen. Nicola has a bill—now in its 14th iteration—to put in place what he describes as common-sense policies. Among them: ensuring that a human is always responsible and liable for AI. However, the White House is now reviewing it to determine whether the federal government would cut federal funding to the state over it. “We’re running out of time,” he said. “We only have four weeks left in this session.”
Sen. Nicola, who also serves as a pastor, does not want to stifle innovation or hamper the development of AI, he said. However, this is among the most powerful technologies ever developed, and it is critical that government not allow it to run wild—especially considering how rapidly it is moving. He hopes to receive a greenlight from the White House soon.
Before wrapping up, Sen. Nicola discusses his legislation to ban foreign law in the state. From sharia to the United Nations, all of it would be prohibited.
Conclusion
While innovation can be stifled by regulation - it doesn’t have to be. As they say, it’s all fun and games, until someone gets hurt. Or marries at chatbot. Or we allow chat bots to do the professional jobs of doctors, lawyers or others, instead of legally recognizing the technology as an assistive tool. You get the idea, hopefully. 😏
As I previously mentioned, I’m encouraged by the Missouri state legislature, particularly Senator Nicola’s willingness to step up and take action for something he felt was important for Missouri - despite the Executive Order. I hope his actions inspire other state Congressional leaders to follow suit and work with the White House to ensure basic safety guardrails are being considered.