TechCrunch Industry News Another bid to block state AI regulation has failed…for now; plus, Autolane is building ‘air traffic control’ for AVs
Dec 3, 2025
A new attempt to prohibit states from regulating AI has been thwarted, facing solid opposition from both sides of the aisle. The tech industry continues to clash over whether to place power in the hands of big tech or state authorities. Meanwhile, Autolane is making waves with a fresh $7.4 million in funding, aiming to establish an 'air traffic control' system for autonomous vehicles. Their collaboration with Simon Property Group will facilitate safe AV pickups and drop-offs at shopping malls, showcasing innovative solutions in urban mobility.
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Federal Preemption Faces Bipartisan Pushback
- Attempts to ban states from regulating AI via federal bills face bipartisan resistance and are politically fraught.
- Blocking state rules without a federal alternative risks ceding oversight to big tech and leaving consumers unprotected.
Autolane's Early Win With Simon Property Group
- Autolane raised $7.4 million to build coordination infrastructure for autonomous vehicles on private property.
- The startup signed with Simon Property Group to run pickup/drop-off points at shopping centers in Austin and San Francisco.
Software Is The Missing Layer For AV Handovers
- Physical signs alone won't suffice for multi-vendor autonomous operations because vehicles need precise geolocation and communication.
- Autolane plans to provide APIs and orchestration between real estate owners and AV providers as an application layer.