New York State Enacts AI Oversight Law

Under a new law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, state government agencies in New York will be required to examine and publish reports that describe their use of artificial intelligence software.

Hochul, a Democrat, signed the bill last week after it was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year.

The law mandates that state agencies evaluate any software that makes use of algorithms, computational models, or artificial intelligence (AI) approaches.

These evaluations must then be posted online and sent to the governor and top parliamentary leaders.

Additionally, unless a human is continuously monitoring the system, it prohibits the use of AI in some scenarios, such as an automated determination of whether a person is eligible for childcare assistance or unemployment benefits.

The measure would also protect state employees from having their work hours or responsibilities restricted due to AI.

The bill’s proponent, Democratic state senator Kristen Gonzalez, described the legislation as a significant step towards establishing some boundaries for the use of developing technology in state government.

Manomsi Mallum/ APNEWS