New York Rep. Alex Boaz Criticizes AI Safety Bill Changes
New York state Representative Alex Boaz (D-73) is advocating for stricter safety regulations for major artificial intelligence companies across the country. He accuses Governor Kathy Hochul of modifying a bill under pressure from large tech firms.
Just before President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ease AI regulations at the state level, it came to light that Hochul was trying to significantly alter legislation aimed at holding big AI companies accountable. Her proposed changes seem to align more closely with California’s regulations, which are more lenient toward the AI industry.
Boaz, who is also running for Congress to fill the seat of Rep. Jerry Nadler, described being the target of a hefty $100 million advertising campaign from prominent figures in the AI sector, including OpenAI’s Greg Brockman and venture capitalist Andreessen Horowitz.
“When I heard about the amendments, I thought, ‘This sends a clear message to the governor.’ It’s not just about me,” Boaz explained to Rolling Stone. “They’re trying to intimidate her, suggesting they might shift their focus to her next.”
New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-26), who backs the RAISE Act in the Senate, noted that the original bill aimed to obligate certain advanced AI developers to implement specific safety protocols. This included developing and following stringent security measures, reporting any serious incidents to the Attorney General within 72 hours, and restricting new AI models that could pose an “unreasonable risk.”
However, Hochul’s revisions are said to soften these requirements, including lifting the ban on potentially risky AI models, extending the reporting period to 15 days, and lessening penalties for violations.
“The power brokers in AI are looking to dominate our security and labor force for their gain,” Boaz commented to FOX News Digital. “They’ve already gained significant influence nationally and now are aiming for state-level control. That’s unacceptable, and I won’t let it happen.”
Some experts in technology, like Julie Samuels from TechNYC, argue that aligning New York’s laws with California’s could create a beneficial national standard, which, as of now, is absent.
In response to inquiries, Hochul’s office highlighted the absence of federal leadership on responsible AI, asserting that New York is establishing sensible laws to safeguard children, families, and consumers. An official spokesperson mentioned, “Our approach should be a model for the country. Governor Hochul is dedicated to advancing AI responsibly as legislation evolves.”
On Thursday, shortly after Hochul’s revisions were announced, Trump signed an executive order intended to form a federal regulatory landscape that diminishes state-level controls over AI. At the signing event, he suggested there would be a “single winner” in the global AI race—likely the U.S. or China.
He pointed out that China benefits from a centralized regulatory process, while the U.S. faces hurdles due to the need for approvals from various states.
“We’re seeking one central approval method,” Trump remarked.
Currently, over 1,000 bills targeting AI regulation are making their way through various state legislatures, according to Will Schaaf, a senior advisor to the President.
