A State Getting it Right

New Hampshire lawmakers have taken an important step to protect innovation and technological freedom.

Last week the New Hampshire House passed HB 1124, known as the Right to Compute Act. In a post on X, New Hampshire’s Speaker of the House, Sherman Packard stated how “this legislation ensures that individuals have the right to own and use computing technology.” He went on to say how it “includes computers, software, and artificial intelligence for lawful purposes.” Additionally, as the Speaker points out, “by protecting innovation, free expression, and privacy, the bill ensures New Hampshire remains a leader in technological freedom while still allowing the state to address fraud, public safety risks, and other legitimate concerns.” HB 1124 strikes the right balance between encouraging the development and deployment of technological tools like AI while maintaining sensible guardrails to prevent misuse. That is to be applauded.

Credit is due to Representatives Keith Ammon, Travis Corcoran, Jeanine Notter, Katy Peternel, and Vanessa Sheehan, who worked to move this legislation forward. Their leadership reflects a growing recognition that the future of innovation depends on defending the fundamental ability to compute, experiment, and build.

The Right to Compute Act affirms the freedom to use math and computing tools without unnecessary restrictions. Artificial intelligence systems, software development, and modern computing are ultimately built on mathematics and algorithms. Preserving the ability to work with these tools is vital for innovation to thrive.

Preston Byrne, a technology and free speech lawyer, highlighted HB 1124 as “a vital piece of legislation that, while it does not directly address the foreign censorship issue, can shield NH citizens from foreign censors.” By protecting the lawful use of computing technologies, New Hampshire’s state representatives are helping ensure continued access to digital tools and technological development without interference from hostile actors.

At the same time, this legislation demonstrates an important principle that should guide national AI policy. Innovation and safety are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to prioritize technological freedom while still addressing real public safety risks.

That is exactly what HB 1124 attempts to achieve. The bill permits lawful access to computing technologies while preserving the state’s ability to enforce existing laws against fraud, criminal activity, and other harmful conduct.

As policymakers in Washington continue debating how to govern artificial intelligence, New Hampshire’s approach offers a useful guide for what a broader national framework could look like. Congress should take note.

The United States ultimately needs a clear national framework for AI and computing technologies. That framework should protect innovation, free expression, and the fundamental ability to compute while still allowing policymakers to address legitimate public safety concerns.

New Hampshire’s Right to Compute Act is a step in that direction. By defending lawful access to computing technology while maintaining reasonable safeguards, the state has shown that smart policy can support both innovation and public trust.

It is exactly the kind of approach that should inform the national conversation about the future of AI.

Jay Burstein is a fellow with Build American AI.