Jake Morabito Testifies on Artificial Intelligence Legislation
On January 29, 2026, Jake Morabito, Senior Director of Policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), submitted written testimony to the New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. His remarks addressed House Bill 1124 (HB1124), a legislative proposal focused on protecting individual rights in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Morabito’s testimony highlighted the growing importance of balancing innovation with individual freedoms. By analyzing the implications of AI regulation, he emphasized how thoughtful legislation could help New Hampshire remain a leader in technology empowerment and economic opportunity.
Federal AI Policy and State-Level Response
Morabito referenced the Federal AI Action Plan, introduced by President Trump’s Office of Science and Technology Policy in 2025. This national initiative aims to accelerate AI development, integrate AI into various sectors, and promote policies that uplift American workers rather than replace them. However, Morabito noted that while AI tools have only recently become widely accessible—just three years ago—the legislative response has been swift and extensive.
Across all 50 states, more than 2,000 unique bills have been proposed since 2022 targeting artificial intelligence, automation, algorithms, and automated decision-making. Many of these bills, according to Morabito, impose significant restrictions on AI use in sectors like healthcare and education, sometimes curbing lawful applications of AI technologies.
The Burden on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Morabito expressed concern that increased regulation could disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses may face daunting legal liabilities and compliance costs that hinder their ability to adopt and benefit from AI tools. “The growing legal complexity and regulatory burden,” he warned, “may stifle innovation and economic growth, especially for responsible businesses trying to enter the AI space.”
HB1124 and the Right to Compute
In response, HB1124 proposes enshrining a “Right to Compute” into New Hampshire’s legal framework. Inspired by similar legislation passed in Montana in 2025, HB1124 would protect an individual’s right to “own and make use of technological tools, including computational resources.” This right would fall under the state constitution’s guarantee to acquire, possess, and protect property.
The bill essentially shifts the burden of proof from the individual to the government. Any governmental restrictions on this right must be narrowly tailored and serve a compelling state interest. This approach, Morabito argued, promotes transparency and ensures that regulatory actions are justified and necessary rather than arbitrary or overly broad.
ALEC’s Influence and Model Legislation
HB1124 aligns with ALEC’s model Right to Compute Act, one of the organization’s Essential Policy Solutions for 2026. ALEC advocates for limited government and individual liberties, and this model legislation reflects those principles. According to Morabito, the bill encourages a thoughtful approach to technology regulation—one that addresses tangible threats without infringing on fundamental rights.
“We must not equate regulation with restriction,” Morabito stated. Instead, he urged lawmakers to adopt measures that respect the freedom to innovate while ensuring public safety and accountability.
Protecting Against Misuse While Ensuring Freedom
Morabito clarified that the Right to Compute is not a loophole for malicious behavior. HB1124 includes language that defines a “compelling government interest” to cover the prevention of scams, fraud, and the harms caused by deceptive deepfake media. It also supports oversight of critical infrastructure and addresses nuisances related to physical data centers.
By setting a high threshold for regulation, the bill aims to give the government tools to counter real, demonstrable risks without stifling beneficial technological advancements. This balance, Morabito suggested, is key to effective governance in the digital age.
A Forward-Thinking Legislative Framework
Morabito concluded his testimony by urging New Hampshire lawmakers to adopt HB1124 as a foundational step in modernizing state law for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He described the bill as a forward-looking measure that preserves individual rights, remains neutral regarding specific technologies, and ensures that government resources are used to address proven, not hypothetical, harms.
“The Right to Compute is not just about protecting technology—it’s about protecting people,” Morabito emphasized. As AI continues to transform society, states like New Hampshire have the opportunity to lead by example with legislation that empowers citizens while safeguarding public interests.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.