New York AI Regulations Clash as Governor Hochul Weakens Landmark Safety Bill

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has gutted a landmark AI regulation bill. The move came after a powerful industry political action committee targeted the bill’s sponsor. The action sets the stage for a major national battle over artificial intelligence oversight.

The bill, known as the RAISE Act, sought basic safety protocols for AI developers. According to Rolling Stone, Governor Hochul replaced the bill’s text with much weaker language from a California law. This occurred just a day after an AI industry PAC launched attack ads.

Industry PAC Targets Lawmaker Over Proposed AI Rules

The political action committee, Leading the Future, launched its first ad of the 2026 election cycle. It targeted New York Assemblyman Alex Bores. Bores is the primary sponsor of the RAISE Act.

The ad claimed Bores wanted “Albany bureaucrats” regulating AI. It argued this would create a chaotic patchwork of state rules. The PAC said this would crush innovation and cost New York jobs.

Assemblyman Bores is a computer engineer with a background in machine learning. He says he had productive conversations with AI labs while drafting the bill. He incorporated some of their feedback but held firm on key safety provisions.

Broader Political Battle Over AI Control Intensifies

The confrontation signals a wider fight over who controls AI’s future. The industry strategy mirrors tactics used by cryptocurrency lobbyists in the 2024 elections. They target specific lawmakers to discourage broader regulatory efforts.

The RAISE Act would have required major AI companies to publish safety plans. It also mandated reporting of serious safety incidents. Companies failing to comply would face significant fines.

Governor Hochul’s move to weaken the bill aligns with industry preferences. Her administration stated New York aims to lead with “common-sense” laws. They believe their approach should be a national model.

Political analysts see this as a warning shot for other states. The AI industry has demonstrated its willingness to spend heavily in elections. This could chill legislative efforts across the country.

The clash over New York’s AI regulations highlights a critical juncture for technology governance. As artificial intelligence integrates into daily life, the fight between innovation and safety is moving from boardrooms to ballot boxes. This New York battle is likely just the first in a long national war.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the RAISE Act in New York?

The RAISE Act was a bill requiring AI companies to publish safety protocols. It mandated reporting of serious AI incidents. The bill also proposed fines for non-compliance with its standards.

Why did Governor Hochul change the AI bill?

Governor Hochul replaced the RAISE Act with weaker language from a California law. This occurred after an AI industry PAC targeted the bill’s sponsor. The move aligns with industry efforts to avoid strict state-level regulations.

Who is funding the opposition to AI regulation?

The Leading the Future PAC is funded by OpenAI President Greg Brockman and venture firm Andreessen Horowitz. Other tech industry figures are also major contributors. The PAC has a reported $100 million war chest.

How does this affect other states’ AI laws?

Industry success in New York may discourage other states from pursuing strict AI rules. It sets a precedent for political pressure against regulation. Many experts now believe comprehensive federal action is needed instead.

What are the main arguments against AI regulation?

Opponents argue regulation stifles innovation and costs jobs. They fear a patchwork of different state laws. Industry advocates prefer voluntary guidelines over mandated safety rules.

What do polls say about public support for AI rules?

Recent surveys show about 80% of Americans support reasonable AI regulations. In New York, support for the RAISE Act was measured at 84%. Public concern is growing as AI impacts more daily life areas.