The Harder Problem Action Fund is an advocacy organization fighting harmful AI consciousness legislation. We track pending bills, score legislation, lobby for evidence-based policy, and mobilize public action before ignorance becomes law.
Strategic Entry Points
Small steps.
Big leverage.
You don't have to wait for federal legislation to make a difference. From budget amendments to local procurement memos, there are dozens of levers that build institutional readiness. And you don't need to solve consciousness first.
Why This Matters
Institutions that practice reviewing AI systems now will be ready when stakes are higher.
Every small win establishes that consciousness preparedness is a legitimate policy concern.
These mechanisms don't require new legislation. Many can be implemented through existing authority.
The Strategy
Capacity Before Crisis
Big legislative fights are coming. These smaller mechanisms let jurisdictions build the expertise and infrastructure they'll need, before the pressure hits.
High Feasibility
Many levers require no new legislation. Just one supportive committee chair, budget director, or procurement officer.
Compounding Impact
A city procurement memo today makes a state mandate easier tomorrow. Small precedents enable larger ones.
Evidence Generation
Every pilot program, audit, or study generates data that makes the case for broader action.
Levers by Priority
Matched to Our Policy Agenda
Each policy lever connects to one or more of our six priority areas. Here's how to target your advocacy.
Prevent legislation that legally forecloses AI consciousness before science has answered.
Pause deployment of high-risk AI systems until review frameworks exist. Buys time without permanent prohibition.
If denial laws pass anyway, mandate periodic review as science evolves. Don't let bad laws become permanent.
Ensure scientists can study AI consciousness without political consequences.
Earmark research dollars for AI consciousness indicators. Explicit funding protects the field from political attacks.
Require research grants be evaluated on scientific merit, not political implications of potential conclusions.
Mandate disclosure when AI exhibits consciousness-associated behaviors.
Require AI vendors to disclose consciousness indicator assessments as a condition of government contracts.
City-level purchasing guidelines that require vendors to certify adherence to consciousness-aware design principles.
Establish task forces and mandates before questions become urgent.
Add consciousness science experts to existing AI advisory panels.
Commission audits of consciousness-relevant AI systems in federal use.
Municipal committees to monitor emerging AI consciousness issues.
Block laws that permanently foreclose legal options for AI welfare.
Attach conditions to spending bills that prevent agencies from implementing permanent AI consciousness prohibitions.
Non-binding language encouraging agencies to preserve legal options as science develops.
Prevent a race to the bottom across jurisdictions.
Require international research grantees to adopt consciousness-aware practices, creating de facto global standards.
Voluntary "consciousness-aware AI" certifications that cross borders without requiring treaty negotiations.
Complete Reference
All Policy Levers
Impact and feasibility ratings to help you target your advocacy where it can have the most effect.
| Policy Lever | Level | Impact | Feasibility | Example Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appropriations Riders | Federal | High | Medium | Require AI sentience readiness assessments for federally-funded AI |
| Procurement Conditions | Federal | High | Medium | Vendors must disclose AI welfare and sentience-related safeguards |
| Funding Set-Asides | Federal | Medium | Low | Earmark research on AI sentience and consciousness science |
| GAO/IG Study Mandates | Federal | High | Medium | Audit federal AI systems for sentience-related considerations |
| Advisory Committee Requirements | Federal | Medium | High | Include consciousness science experts on AI advisory panels |
| Committee Report Language | Federal | Medium | High | Encourage agencies to study AI sentience preparedness gaps |
| Non-Binding Resolutions | All Levels | Low | High | "Sense of Congress" or city proclamations signaling sentience preparedness |
| Grant Funding Conditions | All Levels | High | Medium | Require AI welfare disclosure practices for research grantees |
| Voluntary Certification Programs | Federal/State | Low | Medium | "AI Sentience Readiness" certification pathway |
| Regulatory Agency Guidance | Federal/State | Medium | Medium | Agency guidance documents on AI sentience considerations without new legislation |
| Executive Orders | State | Medium | Medium | Governor directives to state agencies on AI sentience preparedness |
| State Budget Provisos | State | Medium | Medium | Fund state studies on AI sentience policy preparedness |
| State Auditor Mandates | State | Medium | Medium | Evaluate state AI tools for welfare and transparency gaps |
| Conditional Funding to Cities | State | Medium | Medium | Require cities adopt AI sentience readiness standards |
| Micro-Moratoriums | State/Local | High | Low | Pause high-impact AI deployments pending sentience review |
| Local Procurement Memos | Local | Medium | High | Vendors certify AI welfare design principles |
| City Budget Notes | Local | Low | High | Report city AI use with sentience-related assessments |
| Local Tech Task Groups | Local | Low | High | Monitor emerging advanced AI issues in the community |
Reading this table
Impact measures the potential influence on AI consciousness policy. Feasibility measures how achievable the lever is given current political realities. The best targets are High Impact / High Feasibility. But don't underestimate Medium Impact levers. Small wins create the conditions for bigger ones.
Where to Start
Pick Your Level
Different jurisdictions offer different opportunities. Match your advocacy to where you have the most leverage. (Examples use US terminology, but these mechanisms translate to parliamentary systems, provinces, and municipalities worldwide.)
🏛️ National / Federal
Highest impact, but requires parliamentary or congressional champions. Best for those with capital-city connections or working through national organizations.
- Appropriations riders
- GAO study mandates
- Advisory committee seats
- Federal procurement conditions
🏢 State / Province
Good balance of impact and accessibility. Regional legislators are more reachable, and successful pilots create models for national action.
- Budget provisos
- State auditor mandates
- Conditional city funding
- Micro-moratoriums
🏠 Local / Municipal
Easiest to achieve. City councils and local boards are accessible. Local wins create precedent and demonstrate feasibility for regional action.
- Procurement memos
- Budget notes
- Tech task groups
- Local AI ethics boards
Ready to Push a Lever?
These mechanisms work best with sustained pressure. Join our advocacy efforts or start a conversation with your own representatives.