As consumers have embraced “smart home” technology and specifically advanced locks and entryway security systems, some door lock companies have asked permission from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to use ultra-wideband technology (“UWB”) in their devices. UWB technology has unique characteristics that can be used to enhance entryway security systems by working with low-power Bluetooth
Continue Reading FCC Seeks Comment on Petition to Update Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Part 15 RulesUS Government
FCC “Covered List” Updated to Include Certain Drones and Related Components, Subject to an Exception
By Yaron Dori, Kiara Ortiz & Rosie Moss on
Posted in Emerging Technologies, FCC, National Security, Robotics, Technology, Telecommunications, Trade, US Government
In late December 2025, the FCC updated its “Covered List” to add foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and their critical components after an Executive Branch interagency body determined that they pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.” Subsequently…
Continue Reading FCC “Covered List” Updated to Include Certain Drones and Related Components, Subject to an ExceptionPresident Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Laws
By Matthew Shapanka & August Gweon on
On December 11, President Trump signed an Executive Order on “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence” (“AI Preemption EO”), the culmination of months of efforts by Republican lawmakers to assert federal primacy over AI regulation. The AI Preemption EO, which follows the release of a draft version in November, states that “[t]o win”…
Continue Reading President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI LawsCovington Tech Briefing Spotlight: Impact of Latest Policy Developments on the Tech Industry
On September 24, 2025, Covington’s tech industry experts explored what legal teams, government affairs professionals, and business leaders at tech companies need to know during this pivotal period and offered insights into anticipated challenges and emerging opportunities in the year ahead. Eight Covington attorneys shared their insights during a 60-minute session moderated by Covington partner…
Continue Reading Covington Tech Briefing Spotlight: Impact of Latest Policy Developments on the Tech IndustryWhite House Drafts Executive Order to Preempt State AI Laws
By Matthew Shapanka & August Gweon on
According to reports published on November 19, the White House has prepared a draft Executive Order to preempt state AI regulations in lieu of a uniform national legislative framework, marking a significant escalation in federal efforts to assert control over AI regulation. The draft Executive Order, titled “Eliminating State Law Obstruction of National AI…
Continue Reading White House Drafts Executive Order to Preempt State AI LawsCommerce Department Solicits Feedback on AI Exports Program
By Holly Fechner, Matthew Shapanka & Samuel Klein on
The Commerce Department today published a Request for Information (RFI) inviting the public to submit comments on U.S. artificial intelligence exports. The RFI asks stakeholders to weigh in on aspects of the Department’s new “American AI Exports Program,” an initiative intended to “promot[e] the export of full-stack American AI technology packages.”
The RFI follows from…
Continue Reading Commerce Department Solicits Feedback on AI Exports ProgramCommerce Department and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Exploring a Patent Tax and Patent Fee Changes
By Holly Fechner, Matthew Shapanka & Samuel Klein on
The Trump Administration is considering multiple proposals to raise revenue from patent holders, including direct assessments on patent holders, changes to the existing patent fee schedule, and potentially a new mechanism for sharing profits from university-owned patents obtained through federal research funds.
Patent Tax
First, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is reportedly considering assessing a charge…
Continue Reading Commerce Department and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Exploring a Patent Tax and Patent Fee ChangesSenator Cruz Unveils AI Framework and Regulatory Sandbox Bill
On September 10, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) released what he called a “light-touch” regulatory framework for federal AI legislation, outlining five pillars for advancing American AI leadership. In parallel, Senator Cruz introduced the Strengthening AI Normalization and Diffusion by Oversight and eXperimentation (“SANDBOX”) Act (S. 2750), which…
Continue Reading Senator Cruz Unveils AI Framework and Regulatory Sandbox BillSenate Nixes State AI Enforcement Moratorium, For Now
By Holly Fechner, Matthew Shapanka & Samuel Klein on
Posted in Artificial Intelligence (AI), US Government
Federal legislation to “pause” state artificial intelligence regulations will not become law—for now—after the Senate stripped the measure from the budget reconciliation package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).
The Senate voted 99–1 to strike the moratorium language from the bill during a marathon 27-hour “vote-a-rama” on July 1. The Senate voted 51–50, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie, to pass the bill (without the moratorium) and send it back to the House. The House passed the Senate-amended bill on July 3 by a vote of 218–214, with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against. President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4.Continue Reading Senate Nixes State AI Enforcement Moratorium, For Now
Senate Parliamentarian Clears Revised State AI Enforcement Moratorium for Reconciliation Bill, But Passage Remains in Doubt
By Holly Fechner, Matthew Shapanka & Samuel Klein on
In a surprise move, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that a proposed moratorium on state and local AI laws satisfies the Byrd Rule, the requirement that reconciliation bills contain only budgetary provisions and omit “extraneous” policy language. While MacDonough’s determination allows the Senate Commerce Committee’s version of the moratorium to remain in the bill, its…
Continue Reading Senate Parliamentarian Clears Revised State AI Enforcement Moratorium for Reconciliation Bill, But Passage Remains in Doubt