Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul on AI Regulation, Rule of Law, Public Safety, and the Role of State AGs

Send us Fan MailWisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joins Legal Regards to discuss the evolving role of state attorneys general, the increasing prominence of AG offices in national legal disputes, and how Wisconsin is approaching key issues including artificial intelligence, consumer protection, public safety, and federal-state tensions.Kaul explains that his office’s core mission is to protect the public and ensure that justice is done. He outlines his top enforcement priorities, including criminal investigations and prosecutions, consumer protection, and safeguarding Wisconsin’s natural resources, particularly clean water. He also discusses how modern attorney general offices are increasingly engaged in multi-state litigation and national legal challenges when federal actions impact state residents.A central theme of the conversation is the rule of law and the role of institutional checks and balances. Kaul discusses what he views as current threats to the rule of law, the role of courts in constraining executive power, and the importance of Congress reasserting its authority. He also explains how state attorneys general can serve as an additional check when other institutions fail to act.The episode features an extended discussion of artificial intelligence and enforcement. Kaul identifies key risks associated with AI, including large-scale fraud, misuse of likeness and identity, and the rapid proliferation of unlawful content. He argues that existing consumer protection laws already apply to AI companies, but emphasizes the need for continued regulatory development as risks evolve. He supports a federal-state balance in AI regulation, with Congress establishing baseline protections while allowing states to act as laboratories of democracy.Kaul also addresses federal efforts to preempt state AI enforcement, expressing concern about attempts to limit states’ authority to protect consumers. He explains why maintaining state-level enforcement power is critical to ensuring accountability as AI technologies develop.Beyond AI, the conversation turns to public safety and criminal justice. Kaul highlights rising domestic violence homicides as a major concern in Wisconsin and discusses the impact of reduced federal funding for victim support programs. He also addresses broader national issues, including the handling of the Epstein files and the importance of equal application of justice.The episode concludes with a discussion of the future of AI in the legal profession, with Kaul emphasizing that while AI will transform legal work, human judgment will remain essential.Topics include: Core enforcement priorities of the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office  The growing national role of state attorneys general  Rule of law, separation of powers, and institutional checks and balances  Multi-state litigation and when AGs should engage  AI risks, including fraud, deepfakes, and large-scale unlawful conduct  Federal versus state regulation of artificial intelligence  Opposition to federal preemption of state AI enforcement  Consumer protection and AI companies under existing law  Domestic violence trends and public safety priorities  Federal funding gaps for victim services  The Epstein files and accountability in high-profile cases  Whether AI will replace judges or lawyers Legal Regards is an official podcast of The National Law Review.