In a landmark move that underscores growing national concern over artificial intelligence, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the RAISE Act—short for Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Societal Engagement—into law, marking a significant new chapter in state-level AI regulation. The legislation, reported by Startup News Fyi in an article titled “New York Governor Kathy Hochul Signs RAISE Act to Regulate AI Safety,” aims to establish guardrails around the development and deployment of AI technologies across industries operating within the state.
The RAISE Act introduces safety standards designed to mitigate risks associated with powerful AI systems, including provisions to ensure transparency, accountability, and human oversight. The law calls for the creation of an independent oversight board to evaluate potential risks from AI use in critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, finance, and criminal justice. Developers of AI systems considered high-risk will now be subject to rigorous testing protocols, impact assessments, and mandatory disclosure requirements to state regulators.
Governor Hochul characterized the legislation as a proactive response to a rapidly evolving technology that demands urgent and thoughtful governance. “AI is not the future—it is the present,” she said during the bill signing ceremony. “New York is choosing to lead on this issue, protecting our residents while fostering innovation.”
The law also includes educational and workforce development initiatives intended to prepare both current professionals and the next generation of workers for careers in AI, offering grants to academic institutions and training programs that align with the state’s technology priorities.
The move by New York is seen by many policy analysts as a model for other states and even federal lawmakers. With Congress lagging in passing comprehensive AI regulations, states like California and Illinois have looked to draft their own measures, but New York’s legislation now sets one of the most comprehensive frameworks to date.
While broadly praised by consumer advocacy groups and some AI ethics researchers, the RAISE Act has drawn criticism from some in the tech industry who warn that overly stringent regulations could stifle innovation and push startups to friendlier regulatory climates. In response, the Hochul administration emphasized that the bill was crafted in consultation with leading AI companies, academic experts, and civil society organizations to balance innovation with public safety.
As AI becomes more deeply embedded in economic and social life, the passage of the RAISE Act highlights the increasing willingness of state governments to lead on technology oversight. It reflects a broader recalibration of the relationship between rapid technological advancement and democratic responsibility—one that many believe will define legislative efforts in the years to come.
