Hochul wants Congress to copy New York's AI safety law

Gov. Kathy Hochul wants Congress to use New York's AI safety law as the model for national rules. She said Tuesday that the incoming Congress, which Democrats will control, gives her a chance to push that idea. If Washington follows, the AI tools people use could come from companies required to publish their safety plans.

What the law does

New York's Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, called the RAISE Act, takes effect Jan. 1. It requires big AI companies to publish specific safety protocols. Companies that do not face civil penalties, which are legal penalties that are not criminal charges. Hochul's office says at least two companies have agreed to sign on. It would not say which ones.

Dozens of competing AI bills are circulating in Congress. Hochul says lawmakers should start with New York's. "When they start looking for ways to regulate AI, the first place they should look is New York," she said. She plans to lean on Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Charles Schumer, who are angling for leadership positions.

What is not known yet

The names of the companies that agreed to sign on are not public. The material also does not say how "big" is defined or how large the penalties are. Congress has not said it will take up the New York approach. Hochul has other requests too, including federal money for health care, the Interborough Express transit project and offshore wind. She also noted that leadership challenges are common at the start of a session.