Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed SB 212, the Montana Right to Compute Act, making it the first state to guarantee citizens' rights to own and use computational and artificial intelligence tools. The law ensures fundamental rights to access and utilize computational resources while implementing strict limits on governmental regulation of these technologies.

Sponsored by State Senator Daniel Zolnikov and supported by the Frontier Institute, the legislation contrasts sharply with recent restrictive AI laws in states like California and Virginia. It includes mandatory safety protocols for AI-controlled critical infrastructure, requiring shutdown mechanisms and annual risk management reviews. The law stipulates that any restrictions must be demonstrably necessary and narrowly tailored to compelling public safety or health interests.

Montana's move has drawn national attention, with New Hampshire Representative Keith Ammon praising the initiative and predicting other states will follow. The Right to Compute campaign, backed by organizations like Haltia.AI and the ASIMOV Protocol, frames computational access as essential to innovation and personal freedom. As governments worldwide grapple with AI regulation, Montana has positioned itself as a leader in protecting digital rights and technology accessibility.