Politics · United States · 4 hrs ago
Delaware plans trial for businesses run by AI agents
Delaware is considering allowing AI agents to run businesses under a proposed bill.
The plan would apply to lawful businesses except banks.
Delaware is known for business-friendly rules, including low or zero tax rates in some cases and specialized courts.
The bill proposes a 30-month regulatory sandbox in which AI agents would make business decisions as the idea is tested.
House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer has written to Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, seeking safety assessments and warning that federal legislation could follow if the results are unsatisfactory.
He is concerned that companies and investors could avoid responsibility for harmful actions by blaming an AI.
A law professor has also warned that the proposal could create an overly broad shield from liability.
The bill's proposed test period would allow the approach to be examined, but the sources do not say when lawmakers will decide whether to pass it.
Delaware is planning a 30-month regulatory sandbox to test businesses run by artificial intelligence agents.
The draft bill would allow an AI company to operate any lawful business except banking.
Republican Representative James Comer has asked Delaware’s governor for safety assessments and warned of possible federal legislation if the results are unsatisfactory.
Comer says the proposal could shield AI companies and investors from responsibility for harmful actions.
A law professor cited by TechRadar said the bill could create an overly generous liability shield without a clear policy rationale.
- Who
- Delaware is proposing the plan; Representative James Comer has raised concerns.
- What
- The state plans to test businesses run by AI agents in a 30-month regulatory sandbox.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Delaware, United States.
- Why
- The proposal would let AI-run businesses operate in the state; the article says it could also provide legal certainty for businesses using agentic AI.
Delaware's proponents
James Comer
Safety and oversight
Delaware's proponents
The draft bill provides for a 30-month regulatory sandbox to test AI-run businesses.
James Comer
Comer is seeking safety assessments and says the results could prompt federal legislation if they are unsatisfactory.
Responsibility
Delaware's proponents
The article says the companies could be sued and could take legal action.
James Comer
Comer is concerned the proposal could protect AI companies and investors from responsibility for harmful actions.
Mark Cuban suggested that states should allow people to incorporate businesses using AI agents and stablecoins.
Delaware’s draft bill set out a 30-month regulatory sandbox for testing AI-run businesses.
James Comer wrote to Delaware Governor Matt Meyer to raise concerns and request safety assessments.
- Sandbox period
- 30 months
- Permitted businesses
- Any lawful business except banking
- State
- Delaware
- Bill's recipient
- Governor Matt Meyer
- Concerned lawmaker
- Representative James Comer
1 source
What people are saying
We are concerned that Delaware’s AIC proposal could be used to protect powerful AI companies and their investors from responsibility for reckless harmful actions.
Ultimately the most likely outcome appears to be an overly generous liability shield which seems unwarranted without some underlying policy rationale that hasn’t been developed or justified well.
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