Hochul weighs AI regulations as Trump sets federal rules

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(The Center Square) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is weighing plans to regulate the state's artificial intelligence sector, even as President Donald Trump seeks to restrict states from regulating the industry.

Hochul is reviewing a proposal approved by the state Legislature, called the Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, which would impose new safety regulations on major AI companies and require disclosure within 72 hours if a company believes harm may be imminent from one of their platforms. 

Recent reports have suggested that Hochul is considering a complete rewrite of the bill to match a measure passed by California earlier this year. That law is considered more favorable to the industry. 

On Thursday, Hochul signed legislation that her administration called the nation’s first AI regulations designed to both protect consumers and increase transparency in the film industry.

The measure requires anyone producing or creating an ad to provide a disclosure if it includes AI-generated synthetic performers. Another related bill signed by Hochul requires written consent from heirs or executors if a person wants to use the name, image, or likeness of an individual for commercial purposes after their death.

"By mandating transparency and securing consent, New York has drawn a bright line that puts human creativity, integrity and trust first," Hochul, a Democrat, said in remarks Thursday. "This is smart, forward-looking legislation that will have national impact." 

But New York's efforts to regulate the industry set the state up for an inevitable clash with the federal government, which is moving to scuttle state regulations it claims would cripple the burgeoning industry. 

Trump signed an executive order Thursday seeking to limit states' ability to regulate artificial intelligence and upend existing laws. Trump wielded his executive powers after Congress failed to pass a bill with similar regulations last month. 

The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to create an "AI Litigation Task Force" to root out state laws that clash with the Trump administration's "light touch" plans for regulating the industry. 

Trump administration officials say they want to prevent a hodgepodge of regulations by states that could make it difficult for big AI companies to compete nationwide. 

"We have over a thousand bills going through state legislatures right now to regulate AI, over a hundred of them have already passed, 25% of them are in California, New York and Illinois," David Sacks, the White House's AI and crypto czar, said in remarks Thursday. 

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted the president's order in a social media post accusing him of "running a con" by seeking to block states from setting regulations for the industry.

"President Trump continued his ongoing grift in the White House, attempting to enrich himself and his associates, with a new executive order seeking to preempt state laws protecting Americans from unregulated AI technology," Newsom said.