Missouri AI regulations stall as lawmakers fear loss of rural broadband funds

Image: A Missouri Senate bill that would prohibit humans from marrying an AI partner stalled last week amid fears the legislation could jeopardize nearly $900 million in remaining federal broadband funds for rural internet expansion. Image credit: Freepik. Article by Steph Quinn. Missouri Independent – April 7, 2026.

The promise and peril of artificial intelligence have been a recurring theme for Missouri lawmakers this year, as they debate safeguards on campaign advertisements, companion chatbots and mental health therapy that use the technology. But efforts to enact regulations in Missouri stalled last week in the state Senate amid fears the legislation could jeopardize nearly $900 million in remaining federal broadband funds for rural internet expansion. […]

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