Key facts
- New York State Legislature passed the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act.
- The RAISE Act requires large AI developers to develop safety plans to protect against automated crime and bioweapons.
- Companies must not release models that create an unreasonable risk of critical harm.
- Companies must disclose serious incidents, such as the theft of a dangerous AI model.
- The New York State Attorney General can bring civil penalties against non-compliant companies.
- The law applies to AI companies that have spent over $100 million in computational resources to train advanced AI models.
New York has enacted landmark legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, with the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act passing both houses of the State Legislature on June 13, 2025. The bill mandates that the largest AI developers create and implement safety plans to mitigate severe risks, including automated crime and the potential creation of bioweapons. This move positions New York as a leader in AI governance, seeking to balance innovation with public safety.
The RAISE Act specifically targets companies that have invested over $100 million in computational resources for advanced AI model training. These companies will be required to publish and adhere to safety and security protocols, and to refrain from releasing models that pose an unreasonable risk of critical harm. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the disclosure of serious incidents, such as the theft of a dangerous AI model or its erratic behavior. The New York State Attorney General is empowered to pursue civil penalties against companies that fail to meet these new standards.
Proponents of the bill, including State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores, emphasize its common-sense approach to safeguarding the public without stifling technological advancement. They draw parallels to existing safety regulations in other industries, such as the automotive sector, to underscore the necessity of safeguards for powerful AI tools. The legislation is supported by a significant majority of New Yorkers, according to polling data.
This legislative action comes amid growing global concerns about the potential catastrophic risks associated with advanced AI systems. Reports from international bodies and AI companies themselves highlight risks ranging from large-scale labor market disruptions to AI-enabled cyber and biological attacks. The bill aims to address these emerging threats proactively, ensuring that New York remains at the forefront of AI regulation.