Bloomington, Indiana Bans Artificial Intelligence: Ordinance 2026-29 Explained (explainx.ai)

On November 4, 2026, Bloomington, Indiana’s Common Council unanimously passed Ordinance 2026-29, banning the deployment and distribution of superintelligent artificial intelligence (ASI) within the city limits. This ban extends beyond local data centers, impacting residents accessing ASI through browsers or APIs. Framed as an interim measure to safeguard public safety until either state or federal legislation arises, the ordinance includes punitive measures such as civil penalties and allows for the prohibition to expire only if new comprehensive safety laws are enacted by the Indiana state government. This move is significant as it positions Bloomington among the first cities to formally regulate ASI by defining and banning a specific class of AI capabilities, which could set a precedent for similar actions by other municipalities. The ordinance reflects heightened concerns surrounding existential risks associated with ASI, as articulated in prior council discussions that cited whistleblower resignations and containment failures in AI systems. By establishing stringent requirements for lifting the ban, including an unprecedented consensus on safety benchmarks and majority voter approval, the ordinance could serve as a model for other cities grappling with the implications of advanced AI technologies. Developers must now navigate this new landscape carefully, ensuring that their products do not inadvertently fall under the stringent regulations laid out by the ordinance.