New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed landmark legislation aimed at enhancing the safety and transparency of advanced artificial intelligence systems, positioning the state as a national leader in AI governance, according to an official press release. 

The Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act, signed on December 19, requires developers of powerful “frontier” AI models to create and publish comprehensive information about their safety protocols and report any incidents of critical harm to New York State authorities within 72 hours of discovery. The legislation establishes a new AI oversight office within the New York State Department of Financial Services to evaluate compliance, issue annual reports, and improve public visibility into frontier AI activities. 

Under the new law, companies that fail to submit required safety reports or make false statements face civil penalties of up to $1 million for a first violation and up to $3 million for subsequent violations. The oversight office’s responsibilities include assessing large AI developers and enabling greater transparency into how AI systems are tested and governed. 

Governor Hochul said the RAISE Act sets a “nation-leading standard for AI transparency and safety,” building on recent legislation adopted in California and aiming to create a unified benchmark among leading tech states as the federal government lags on comprehensive AI regulation. She described the law as balancing innovation with the need to protect the public from emerging AI risks. 

State Senator Andrew Gournardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores praised the legislation, arguing it strengthens community safety while supporting economic growth. They noted the law moves beyond existing models, offering stronger requirements and greater accountability. 

The RAISE Act represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate over who should set AI governance standards in the United States. With federal efforts still unfolding and other states like California also advancing their own rules, New York’s law may influence future policy discussions and signal how subnational governments can shape the regulatory landscape for rapidly advancing AI technologies. 

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