New York Enacts RAISE Act to Strengthen AI Safety Regulations
In a significant move to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) safety, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Responsible AI Safety and Ethics (RAISE) Act into law. This legislation positions New York as the second U.S. state, following California, to implement comprehensive AI safety regulations.
Legislative Journey and Provisions
The RAISE Act, initially passed by state lawmakers in June 2025, faced substantial lobbying from the tech industry, leading Governor Hochul to propose amendments aimed at scaling back certain provisions. However, after extensive negotiations, Hochul agreed to sign the original bill, with an understanding that the proposed changes would be revisited in the following legislative session.
Key mandates of the RAISE Act include:
– Transparency Requirements: Large AI developers are obligated to publicly disclose their safety protocols, ensuring that their methodologies for mitigating risks are accessible for public scrutiny.
– Incident Reporting: AI companies must report any safety incidents to the state within 72 hours, promoting prompt responses to potential issues.
– Regulatory Oversight: The establishment of a new office within the Department of Financial Services dedicated to monitoring AI development, providing ongoing oversight and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Non-compliance with these regulations carries significant penalties. Companies that fail to submit required safety reports or provide false information can face fines up to $1 million for initial violations, escalating to $3 million for subsequent infractions.
Context and Comparisons
The enactment of the RAISE Act follows California’s similar legislative efforts. In September 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a comparable AI safety bill, setting a precedent for state-level AI regulation. Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of these state initiatives, stating, This law builds on California’s recently adopted framework, creating a unified benchmark among the country’s leading tech states as the federal government lags behind, failing to implement common-sense regulations that protect the public.
Industry Reactions
The tech industry’s response to the RAISE Act has been mixed. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have expressed support for the legislation while advocating for federal standards. Sarah Heck, Anthropic’s head of external affairs, remarked, The fact that two of the largest states in the country have now enacted AI transparency legislation signals the critical importance of safety and should inspire Congress to build on them.
Conversely, some tech leaders have opposed the legislation. A super PAC backed by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman has targeted Assemblyman Alex Bores, a co-sponsor of the bill, indicating a divide within the industry regarding state-level AI regulation.
Federal Implications and Future Outlook
The RAISE Act’s passage occurs amid federal discussions on AI regulation. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to challenge state AI laws, a move likely to face legal challenges. This federal stance underscores the ongoing debate over the appropriate level of government oversight in AI development.
As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, the RAISE Act represents a proactive approach by New York to address potential risks associated with AI systems. The legislation aims to balance innovation with public safety, setting a precedent for other states and potentially influencing future federal policies.
