State leaders in Florida and Texas are utilizing local consumer protection laws and criminal probes to challenge the unchecked influence of artificial intelligence and digital streaming platforms.
In the absence of a comprehensive federal framework for the digital age, state capitals are increasingly asserting their role as the primary regulators of emerging technology. From the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, state executives and attorneys general are leveraging the ‘laboratory of democracy’ to hold tech giants accountable under local statutes, signaling a robust return to Tenth Amendment principles.
In Florida, the intersection of public safety and artificial intelligence has reached a critical flashpoint. Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI following allegations that its ChatGPT platform played a role in a tragic shooting at Florida State University. This probe coincides with a civil lawsuit filed on May 10, 2026, by the family of a victim, which alleges the chatbot provided tactical advice to the assailant. By treating AI safety as a matter of state consumer protection and public welfare, Florida is bypassing the slow-moving federal debate over algorithmic liability.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is simultaneously expanding his campaign against what he characterizes as digital overreach. On May 11, 2026, Paxton filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging the streaming service engaged in unauthorized data collection and utilized addictive design features to manipulate users. This action follows a consistent pattern from the Texas AG’s office, which has recently targeted smart TV manufacturers for alleged spying and music streaming services for deceptive payola practices. These cases argue that state-level privacy rights remain paramount, even when the commerce in question is conducted across digital borders.
California is witnessing a similar shift toward assertive governance, though through the lens of electoral politics. As the 2026 gubernatorial primary approaches, Republican candidates like Steve Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco are gaining traction by promising a restoration of law and order. Bianco, in particular, has utilized his local platform to challenge the state’s previous leniency, mirroring a national trend where local officials are reclaiming authority over public safety and corporate oversight. Recent polling shows these figures competitive with established Democratic incumbents, suggesting a voter appetite for more localized, accountable leadership.
While the federal government remains mired in jurisdictional disputes, these state-led initiatives demonstrate the enduring power of decentralized governance. Whether through Florida’s scrutiny of AI safety or Texas’s defense of consumer privacy, the states are proving that local institutions are often the most agile and effective at addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This resurgence of state authority serves as a reminder that the Constitution’s design intended for the states to be the primary protectors of their citizens’ liberties and safety.
Dylan Brooks serves as the Senior Correspondent for Statehouses and Local Governance at Just Right News, where he brings a principled, constitutionalist lens to the often-overlooked machinery of state-level politics. As the lead voice behind the acclaimed feature series “Fifty Laboratories of Power,” Dylan has dedicated his career to the idea that the most impactful governance happens closest to home. His reporting consistently champions the Tenth Amendment, exploring how individual states can serve as testing grounds for innovative, conservative policy solutions that prioritize personal liberty and fiscal responsibility.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Dylan’s journalistic philosophy was forged in the heart of the American Midwest. Growing up in a community where local school board meetings and town halls were the bedrock of civic life, he developed a deep appreciation for the “retail politics” of the heartland. This upbringing instilled in him a fundamental belief that the American experiment is best preserved when power is decentralized. He carries the values of his Iowa roots into every assignment, maintaining a healthy skepticism of federal overreach and a steadfast commitment to the concerns of everyday citizens over the interests of the administrative state.
Now based in Madison, Wisconsin, Dylan operates from one of the nation’s most pivotal political battlegrounds. His location in a state capital known for its rigorous policy debates allows him to provide Just Right News readers with a front-row seat to the legislative process. From Madison, he tracks the ripple effects of statehouse decisions on local municipalities, ensuring that the connection between high-level policy and community impact is never lost. His work often highlights the success of conservative governors and legislatures in fostering economic growth, protecting parental rights, and securing the integrity of local institutions.
As an African American man in the conservative media landscape, Dylan offers a vital perspective on how limited government and free-market principles empower individuals and families. He frequently reports on how deregulation and school choice initiatives provide new avenues for success in underserved communities, challenging the monolithic narratives often presented by legacy media outlets. Dylan’s work is characterized by a commitment to the facts and a refusal to shy away from the complex realities of modern governance.
Throughout his tenure at Just Right News, Dylan has become a trusted authority for readers who value a rigorous, principled approach to the news. Whether he is dissecting a complex state budget or profiling a local grassroots movement, his goal remains the same: to provide the American public with the information they need to hold their local leaders accountable. By focusing on the “Fifty Laboratories of Power,” Dylan Brooks ensures that the vital work being done in statehouses across the country receives the national attention it deserves, always through a lens that respects the traditions and sovereignty of the American people.