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There is no single definition of artificial intelligence that governs every U.S. law. A federal statutory definition at 15 U.S.C. §9401(3) is a common reference point, but Congress has not created one comprehensive federal AI code, and state laws may define AI differently or regulate specific uses. The legal answer depends on the jurisdiction, the particular law, and whether the measure is enacted law or only a policy proposal.
What is the definition of AI in U.S. law?
The federal reference definition appears in the National AI Initiative Act of 2020, codified at 15 U.S.C. §9401(3). In summary, it describes a machine-based system that, for human-defined objectives, can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence real or virtual environments. It also covers systems that use machine and human inputs to perceive real or virtual environments, abstract those perceptions into models through automated analysis, and use model inference to formulate options or actions.
The definition is a useful starting point, not a universal rule. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) states, “There is no single, widely agreed upon definition of AI.” A statute may instead define a narrower category, such as generative AI or a high-risk system, or define AI only for a particular regulatory subject.
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Does the federal definition apply to every state or federal law?
No. A law’s own text determines which definition applies. Federal and state statutes can use different wording, and a definition written for one law should not be assumed to control another. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) lists state examples ranging from language similar to the federal definition to formulations that include explicit or implicit objectives and generated content; some entries have no specified statutory definition. Its state definition examples help locate provisions, but the relevant statute is the authority for a legal conclusion.
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When checking whether a system or activity falls within a law, identify the exact jurisdiction and statute, then read its definitions alongside its coverage and exceptions. A law may regulate a particular use or actor rather than AI technology generally.
Is there one federal AI law?
No. The U.S. federal framework is a collection of statutes, executive actions, and agency activity, not a single general AI code. CRS’s June 4, 2025 overview describes enacted provisions addressing government AI programs, procurement, training, and sector-specific uses. It found that the laws it reviewed did not establish broad regulatory authority over AI development or use, or broad prohibitions on AI use.
Examples include the National AI Initiative Act of 2020 and the Advancing American AI Act, which addressed matters such as government AI guidance, acquisition, and inventories. CRS reported that fewer than 30 bills containing AI had been enacted as of May 2025; nearly half consisted of AI-focused provisions in appropriations or national defense authorization legislation. Those figures describe CRS’s count at that date, not the current number of federal enactments.
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How are states regulating AI?
State activity spans many kinds of measures, so a count of “AI bills” is not the same as a count of enacted laws. A bill may propose a substantive rule, create a study task force, or be a resolution. Track the measure’s status and provisions rather than relying on the word “AI” in a bill-count headline.
| Source and date | Reported activity | How to read the figure |
|---|---|---|
| CRS, late April 2025 | At least 48 states and Puerto Rico had introduced more than 1,000 bills containing “AI.” | The count included a broad range of bills, including resolutions and study measures. |
| NCSL, July 10, 2025 | All 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., introduced AI-related legislation in the 2025 session; 38 states adopted or enacted around 100 measures. | This is a later session snapshot using NCSL’s reporting; it is not directly interchangeable with the CRS count. |
For current tracking, NCSL says its AI legislation database covers all introduced legislation from 2025 onward and is updated monthly. Its 2025 legislation summary provides context for that session. Use the enacted statutory text to determine actual obligations.
How should executive orders and federal proposals be understood?
An executive order can direct federal agencies and state an administration’s policy, but it is not itself an act of Congress. Its legal effect depends on its text and authority; it does not automatically enact a nationwide statute or change the wording of an existing law.
Executive Order 14179
The January 23, 2025 order set administration policy and directed development of an action plan. For purposes of the order, it adopted the definition in 15 U.S.C. §9401(3). Read Executive Order 14179.
Executive Order 14365 and the 2026 framework
The December 11, 2025 order directed a task force to challenge certain state laws, a Commerce Department evaluation, agency consideration of discretionary grants, and a legislative recommendation for a uniform framework. It also specified areas its proposed legislation should not seek to preempt, including otherwise lawful state laws on child safety, AI compute and data-center infrastructure subject to a stated qualification, and state-government procurement and use. These are executive-branch directions and policy positions, not proof that Congress enacted a national preemption law. Read Executive Order 14365.
On March 20, 2026, the White House released a national legislative framework addressing subjects including child safety, communities and infrastructure, intellectual property, and free speech. The release said the administration would work with Congress to turn the framework into legislation. It is a proposal, not enacted legislation on the basis of that announcement alone. Read the White House framework announcement.
Executive Order 14434 and the term “Super Intelligence”
The September 29, 2026 order directs specified executive-branch non-statutory communications to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in place of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI.” It defines the new terms by reference to the existing statutory definition at 15 U.S.C. §9401(3), unless superseded, and directs proposed legislative language. The order does not itself amend statutory references. Read Executive Order 14434.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check what a specific AI law requires
- Find the controlling text. Identify the enacted statute or regulation, its jurisdiction, and any amendments. A bill summary or legislative database entry is a starting point, not a substitute for the law.
- Check the legal status and dates. Distinguish an enacted law from an introduced bill, resolution, executive order, or policy framework. Check effective dates and any delayed implementation.
- Read the definition and scope together. Determine whether the law covers AI generally, a subset such as generative or high-risk AI, a named technology, or a particular use case.
- Identify covered actors and obligations. Look for who is regulated—such as developers, deployers, employers, agencies, or service providers—and what the law requires, such as disclosure, risk management, testing, procurement controls, or recordkeeping.
- Check enforcement and later developments. Review the stated regulator, remedies or penalties, subsequent amendments, litigation, and current agency guidance.
For a state-specific or industry-specific compliance decision, consult the current statutory text and relevant regulator or court materials. Legislative trackers are useful for discovery, but do not establish what a law means in a particular case.
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