State-level AI regulation stories

Aug 3, 2026

Texas Governor Orders Halt to New Data Center Grid Connections Amid Power Reliability Concerns

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state regulators to pause approvals for new data center projects seeking connection to the state's electric grid, citing concerns about surging electricity demand threatening grid reliability. The directive affects approximately 1,800 pending projects and requires audits before any new approvals.

Aug 3, 2026·9 sources

Jul 28, 2026

44 State Attorneys General Challenge Prediction Markets Over Sports Wagering Concerns

A coalition of 44 state attorneys general sent a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission opposing prediction markets, specifically citing concerns about sports wagering and betting activities.

Jul 28, 2026·1 source

Jun 27, 2026

States target pharmacy benefit managers in effort to lower prescription drug prices

Multiple U.S. states are implementing measures to regulate pharmacy benefit management companies that oversee prescription drug coverage for health insurers, as part of efforts to reduce medication costs for consumers.

Jun 27, 2026·2 sources

Top claims

▪Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and state Senator Charles Schwertner called on the Public Utility Commission of Texas to reject pending applications for $33 billion in extra-high voltage power lines.
▪Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa called on Governor Greg Abbott to sign an emergency executive order placing a moratorium on data centers until the Texas Legislature can meet.
▪Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized Governor Greg Abbott's audit directive as insufficient and called for an immediate legislative moratorium with strong statewide guardrails.