New York lawmakers are being urged to take another step towards regulating artificial intelligence before the state Assemblymember Alex Bores leaves office at the end of the year.
Mr Bores, who helped lead efforts to draw up state rules for AI, said he would support a special session in Albany as public concern grows over the technology’s risks. However, Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said there were currently no plans for lawmakers to return before January to work on AI legislation.
“This is an urgent problem, and too frequently we have left it to California to set the nationwide standards,” Mr Bores said. “We’ve got some pretty darn talented people here in New York … and I would love to give them the chance to lead.”
The New York lawmaker, who has industry experience, has also positioned himself as a national Democratic voice on the issue through the launch of a $30 million group intended to develop the party’s agenda for AI regulation.
New York’s hesitation to call a special session contrasts with developments in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has discussed bringing lawmakers back to Sacramento. Mr Newsom signed an executive order aimed at speeding up the implementation of recently passed AI safety laws and considering proposals including a “kill switch” for advanced AI models.
New York regulators have separately ordered gas, electricity and water utilities to report how they use AI. State Attorney General Letitia James has also urged employees at AI companies to report suspected breaches of regulations.
Growing pressure for AI rules
The competition between states comes as concern mounts that AI is advancing faster than people’s ability to monitor and control it. Ms Hochul has said she wants to take further action, but has not set out specific measures.
State officials are also responding to the Trump administration’s dismissal of AI safety concerns and the widespread expectation that Congress is unlikely to act on the issue soon.
Democratic lawmakers due to return to Albany in January are discussing their options and preparing for opposition from the technology industry, which has already spent millions fighting Mr Bores’s efforts.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, chair of the Internet and Technology Committee, said: “The crux of the fight is in clawing back power from these oligarchs and putting real people in the driver’s seat.”
