Governor Hochul Highlights Next Steps in Nation-Leading Commission to Address Impacts of AI on New York’s Workforce

Today, Governor Hochul and the FutureWorks commission discussed policy proposals developed through conversations with Commission members and interviews with external experts, New York unions, workers, and other stakeholders representing jobs and industries impacted by AI. These policy ideas center around data and forecasting, job training and placement, improving job quality, strengthening the social safety net, economic growth and supporting small businesses in New York.

Last month, Governor Hochul held a listening session that included several women in jobs that have the potential to be or are already being reshaped by AI. Some experts predict that AI could impact or shift tasks in administrative, clerical, customer service and similar roles that have historically been a pathway to the middle class.

Nation-Leading RAISE Act to Bolster AI Safety

Today's discussion complements the Governor's nation-leading AI safety law, the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act. Starting in November, New York will direct large frontier AI developers to register with the State and prepare for compliance with strict requirements on transparency, safety, and incident reporting as prescribed by the RAISE Act. Those strict standards require large frontier AI developers to report critical safety incidents within 72 hours. Beginning in January 2027, AI companies will be required to comply with those strict standards and provide regular reporting to the state's new Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity and Trust (DIGIT) established within the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).

The Governor also emphasized that, in the coming months, she will be exploring ways to build on the RAISE Act as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen New York's nation-leading AI safety laws and regulations.