FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 8, 2025

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s remarks that he plans to introduce a ban on state-level AI regulations this week:

“Trump may think of himself as a strongman, but this announcement makes clear that Big Tech billionaires are the ones who are really in charge. Trump’s executive order gives them exactly what they want: the ability to make massive profits for themselves with zero consideration for the risks to our kids, our safety, and our future.

“Our first-in-the-nation RAISE Act would put commonsense guardrails around this technology so it can actually help people, not just line the pockets of a chosen few. It’s not anti-innovation at all; in fact, it makes our country’s AI industry stronger, safer and better for everyone.

“Trump may be willing to sell the federal government to the highest bidder, but states like New York must fight back to create a future that works for everyone.”

Background:

While AI drives tremendous innovation across New York—from healthcare to climate solutions—there is growing consensus among experts that the policy window to address severe risks may close soon. One recent report warned that "the opportunity to establish effective AI governance frameworks may not remain open indefinitely."

The International AI Safety Report—led by a panel of expert advisors from 30 countries—has warned that near-future AI systems may result in “large-scale labour market impacts, AI-enabled hacking or biological attacks, and society losing control over general-purpose AI,” among other potential risks to public safety.

The Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (RAISE) Act (S6953/A6453) requires the largest AI companies to create basic safety and security protocols for severe risks such as assisting in the creation of bioweapons or carrying out automated criminal activity. The bill has passed both houses of the New York State Legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

Anna Myers

Chief of Staff

Assemblymember Alex Bores

anna@alexbores.nyc

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