FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 19, 2025
New York, NY — The RAISE Act, a leading piece of legislation sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores, was signed into law today. This Act aims to protect New Yorkers from the risks associated with artificial intelligence while fostering innovation and economic growth.
The Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (RAISE) (S6953B/A6453B) establishes essential safety standards for artificial intelligence. It mandates that major AI developers create basic protocols to address severe risks, such as the potential for AI to aid in bioweapons creation or automated criminal acts.
As AI technology promotes innovation in various sectors throughout New York, there is an urgent need to tackle significant risks, as asserted by experts. The International AI Safety Report, which includes insights from a panel of advisors across 30 countries, has raised alarms regarding future AI systems that could lead to widespread labor market disruptions or societal loss of control over general-purpose AI. Additionally, a recent report indicated that the opportunity to establish effective governance frameworks for AI may not last indefinitely.
The RAISE Act mandates that large AI developers develop, implement, publish, and adhere to detailed safety plans. These plans must cover risk assessments, risk management techniques, use of third-party evaluations for catastrophic risks, implementation of cybersecurity measures, incident response protocols, and adherence to best practices. Developers are required to review their plans annually and provide justifications for any changes within 30 days.
This law introduces crucial protections that go beyond the recently passed AI safety regulations in California. The RAISE Act establishes a dedicated office funded by developer fees within the New York State Department of Financial Services to ensure compliance, issue rules and regulations, assess fees, and produce annual reports on AI safety. The Act also mandates more detailed safety plan descriptions, enhances access to safety incident reports, and requires developers to report incidents within 72 hours, as opposed to the previous 15-day period. It stipulates that developers must report any suspected safety incidents and increases penalties for repeat violations to $3 million.
Senator Gounardes and Assemblymember Bores successfully advanced this legislation despite significant opposition from tech lobbyists and venture capitalists who invested heavily to weaken its safety provisions.
“This is a major victory for community safety, economic growth, and our collective future,” stated State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “The RAISE Act sets the stage for a future where AI innovation enhances lives rather than jeopardizes them. We believe that safety should take precedence over profits, and with this law, we demonstrate that tech innovation can be aligned with safety. New York can lead in both areas.”
“The RAISE Act is vital for establishing guidelines for artificial intelligence in New York State and beyond. It ensures that innovation serves the public good rather than corporate interests,” emphasized Assemblymember Alex Bores. “Good government is about taking charge of our future, not allowing a few AI corporations to dictate terms. The RAISE Act is New York proactively leveraging AI opportunities while managing associated risks.”
Press Contact:
Billy Richling
Communications Director
State Senator Andrew Gounardes
[email protected]
Anna Myers
Chief of Staff
Assemblymember Alex Bores
[email protected]
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