New York AG Leads Coalition to Protect State AI Regulations

URGENT UPDATE: New York Attorney General Letitia James is spearheading a critical initiative as she leads a bipartisan coalition of 36 attorneys general in a fierce push against proposed federal legislation that threatens state regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). This significant move comes as congressional leaders are considering amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that would block states from enacting or enforcing AI laws.

James and the coalition assert that preventing states from regulating AI poses a serious safety and security risk. “Every state should be able to enact and enforce its own AI regulations to protect its residents,” she declared during a press conference. Urging Congress to reject what she termed as Big Tech’s interference, James highlighted alarming issues: “Certain AI chatbots have been shown to harm our children’s mental health, and AI-generated deepfakes are making it easier for people to fall victim to scams.”

In a swift response to the evolving AI landscape, New York implemented groundbreaking regulations this month. These new rules mandate that AI companion operators must incorporate safety measures to interrupt users engaged for extended periods and establish protocols for users who exhibit suicidal ideation or self-harm, including referrals to crisis centers. Additionally, legislation is advancing to Governor Kathy Hochul‘s desk, which will require large AI companies to disclose safety protocols and dangerous AI behaviors.

The proposed Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (RAISE Act) aims to hold developers accountable for public safety threats and prevent the use of AI in creating bioweapons. As uncertainty looms at the federal level, New York is determined to address both safety concerns and economic growth.

Amid this backdrop, Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, is advocating for a thoughtful approach to AI regulations. He emphasizes the necessity of investing in the power grid and diversifying energy sources, arguing that current climate laws hinder this progress. “Reliability margins are diminishing because we’re losing energy sources quicker than we’re replacing them,” Wilcox stated.

Furthermore, various bills in the state legislature are pushing for stricter limits and reporting requirements on energy consumption by data centers. In support of a comprehensive AI strategy, Dr. Michael Mandel, vice president and chief economist for the Progressive Policy Institute, has developed a toolkit for states implementing AI policies. His strategies include enhancing the power grid and fostering educational partnerships like Empire AI to boost job growth through technical training.

Mandel advocates for a robust tax incentive program to attract innovation, stressing the importance of ensuring that these incentives are effective: “Studies show a positive economic effect from tax incentives, and you have to make sure you’re not giving something for nothing.”

As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Congress to see if they heed the warnings from AG James and her coalition. The implications of this decision could significantly impact the future of AI governance across the United States, making it imperative for states to maintain their regulatory authority.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.