Georgia Lawmakers Grapple with Regulating Artificial Intelligence

As AI technology rapidly advances, state legislators struggle to keep up with solutions to curb abuses without stifling innovation.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Georgia lawmakers are considering more than a dozen bills aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence, particularly in cases where it is used to mislead the public. The proposed legislation, such as the "No Fakes Act of 2026," seeks to protect individuals' right to control their voice and likeness, as AI-generated content has been used to create fake videos of public figures. However, lawmakers are trying to find the right balance between curbing AI abuses and not stifling technological innovation in the state.

Why it matters

The rapid advancement of AI technology has outpaced the ability of lawmakers to effectively regulate its use, leading to concerns about the potential for abuse, particularly in the political and entertainment spheres. Georgia is taking a proactive approach to address these issues, hoping to set an example for other states and the federal government.

The details

Georgia lawmakers are considering over a dozen bills designed to rein in the misuse of AI, such as the creation of fake videos depicting public figures. One such bill, the "No Fakes Act of 2026" introduced by Rep. Soo Hong, aims to give individuals the right to control their voice and likeness. Supporters, like musician and industry advocate Brian Hudson, argue that this is a critical issue for Georgia's creative community. However, lawmakers are also mindful of the need to balance regulation with not stifling innovation.

  • The House committee heard testimony on the proposed AI legislation on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Former President Trump has indicated a desire to enact federal laws to address AI abuses, but Congress has been unable to agree on much in this area.

The players

Rep. Soo Hong

The Republican lawmaker from Lawrenceville, Georgia, who introduced the "No Fakes Act of 2026" to regulate the use of AI.

Rep. Kasey Carpenter

The Republican lawmaker from Dalton, Georgia, who chaired the committee that heard testimony on the proposed AI legislation.

Brian Hudson

A musician and advocate for the music industry who testified before the House committee on the importance of regulating AI to protect artists' rights.

Former President Trump

The former U.S. president who has indicated a desire to enact federal laws to address abuses of artificial intelligence.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff

The Democratic U.S. senator from Georgia who was the target of a fabricated AI video produced by his political rival, Republican Congressman Mike Collins.

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What they’re saying

“This bill basically says you have the right to control your voice and your likeness.”

— Brian Hudson, Musician and advocate for the music industry (11Alive News)

“We want to be the lead state to make sure this doesn't happen in our state, and hopefully the congress will catch up.”

— Rep. Soo Hong, Republican lawmaker from Lawrenceville, Georgia (11Alive News)

“Let's get something we can get moving on this thing. AI is moving fast. We're never going to get ahead of it, but we need to make sure we're keeping up with it, and I think right now we're not keeping up with it.”

— Rep. Kasey Carpenter, Republican lawmaker from Dalton, Georgia (11Alive News)

What’s next

The House committee will continue to consider the proposed AI legislation, with the goal of passing a bill that can curb abuses without stifling innovation in the state.

The takeaway

Georgia's proactive approach to regulating artificial intelligence highlights the challenges lawmakers face in keeping up with rapidly advancing technology. The state's efforts to balance regulation and innovation could set an example for other states and the federal government as they grapple with the complex issues surrounding the use and misuse of AI.