CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce is pushing for artificial intelligence regulation as the state’s legislative session approaches, setting up a potential conflict with President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking state AI oversight.
Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, said AI poses serious risks that require immediate state action.
“What we don’t want is artificial intelligence grooming our children for sexual exploitation and for them to commit harm to themselves even suicide,” Knapp said. “The same happens with adults that look for emotional counseling with these AI chat boxes. That is a serious problem.”
Healthcare focus drives state action
Knapp said 47 states currently have bills to manage AI use within the healthcare space. The push comes as concerns grow about AI’s role in mental health services.
Charleston resident Will Vandergrift said he supports regulation, particularly for mental health applications.
“AI should be used as a mental health provider at all. I don’t think that is, I don’t think you can replace a human’s expertise with something as nuanced as the human psyche,” Vandergrift said.
Federal-state conflict expected
Trump has issued an executive order preventing states from regulating AI, aiming to maintain U.S. leadership in the technology. Knapp said states cannot wait for federal action.
“We just can’t wait for down the road. It’s all happening now and it’s up to the states,” Knapp said. “Congress is not going to do anything to regulate the negatives out of AI.”
A legal battle is expected between states that pass AI regulations and the president, testing the power of the executive order.
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