CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Four West Virginia state lawmakers have joined more than 200 of their colleagues nationwide in urging the U.S. Congress to reject any provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would override state and local efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).

The bipartisan group of state legislators sent a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on Nov. 25, 2025, arguing that a blanket preemption would "abruptly cut off active democratic debate in statehouses" and "impose a sweeping pause on policymaking" just as communities seek solutions to rising AI-related harms.

The four West Virginia signatories are:

Delegate Margitta Mazzocchi, R-Kanawha

Delegate William Ridenour, R-Jefferson

Senator Patricia Rucker, R-J

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