Virginia's High-Risk Artificial Intelligence Developer and Deployer Act (HB2094), passed in February, would have regulated AI in the commonwealth.  Specifically, it would have created requirements for the development, deployment, and use of “high-risk” artificial intelligence systems, as defined in the bill, and civil penalties for noncompliance to be enforced by the Attorney General.  

This week Governor Youngkin vetoed the bill, concluding that it would establish a burdensome AI regulatory framework.  However, he noted his support for governance of AI, and steps the Virginia executive branch has already taken to establish safeguards and oversight for AI use.  

This veto follows increased advocacy in recent months for accelerating the development and deployment of AI systems, with advocates often arguing that legislation placing additional guardrails on AI would also stifle progress.  Virginia, known as the Data Center Capital of the World, has a strong tech sector, including in the cybersecurity and defense spaces. Its measured governance and oversight of AI should help Virginia businesses stay on on the cutting edge of AI development and deployment.