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THE BIG IDEA

Virginia lawmakers first to pass A.I. guardrails this year (sort of)

Virginia just passed its first AI regulation bill of 2025, building on last year's Colorado law with its own spin on what makes AI "high-risk."

They're focusing specifically on AI used in consequential decisions around education, employment, health care, etc.

The bill requires AI developers to disclose risks and limitations upfront, while AI deployers need a "reasonable duty of care" to protect consumers from algorithmic discrimination.

Violations could cost between $1,000 and $10,000, and the law would take effect July 2026 (plenty of time to panic later)

What makes this spicy is the bill has managed to unite both civil rights groups AND tech companies against it — a rare political achievement indeed.

• The Chamber of Progress argues it'll hurt innovation without meaningful protections

• Meanwhile, the Electronic Privacy Information Center calls it "weak" with too many loopholes

The margins were tight — 21-19 in the Senate and 51-47 in the House.

So before pitching your dream AI startup on Shark Tank, maybe check back in on April 2 when lawmakers reconvene to consider any changes.

Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation:

Dani recommends you guys visit Taqueria Picoso — a street food inspired Mexican restaurant in The Shops at Mark Center. Look at that banner hanging on the front. Enough said.

QUICK HITS

• Vienna Restaurant Week is kicks off today — check out the list of participating eateries here 🧑‍🍳 

• The Northern Virginia Pizza Wars have commenced. View the bracket and vote for your favorite local spot! 🍕 

• This local Loudoun County man was honored for his 700th blood platelet donation since 1982 ❣️ 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Chantilly Boat Show | Northern VA’s premier 3-day boat show returns to Dulles Expo Center 🛥️ 

• Best of NoVA Comedy | top local comedians all under one roof tonight in Arlington 🎙️ 

• Books Sale | Tysons Pimmit Regional Library is doing their quarterly sale starting today until Sunday 📚️ 

• Saved by the 90s | a 1990s themed dance party at The State Theatre tonight🕺 

• Crab Cake Party | the annual sea food extravaganza is back at Settle Down Easy Brewing in Falls Church 🦀 

• Manassas St. Patrick’s Parade | a family-friendly celebration of Irish Pride near Old Town Manassas 🍀 

• Friends Trivia | a Central Perk themed trivia competition at the Herndon Community Center tonight ☕️ 

• Glow Golf | nighttime LED-powered golfing at Oakmont Golf Center in Oakton ⛳️ 

• Mulan: A Legend Reimagined | a modern retelling of the classic tale at Capital One Hall 🐉 

• Kitten and Baby Wildlife Shower | come meet the tiniest residents of the Animal Welfare League in Arlington 🐱 

• Winter Rosé Day | a celebration of all things pink and pretty at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton 🍷 

• Crafternoon Workshop | drop in and create a faux stained glass panel at Fairlington Community Center in Arlington 💠 

• Del Ray Vintage Flea | Virginia’s best flea market is back on Mt. Vernon avenue 🛍️ 

• DC Whiskey Walk | enjoy premium Ireland whiskey at eight spots around the District 🥃 

• Swords, Brooms, and Magical Beasts | this grand world of enchantment returns to Occoquan 🧹 

• Whole Lotta Sole | the DMV’s biggest sneaker and vintage clothing convention is going down in Fairfax 👟 

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