Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Legislators Announce Transformative AI Legislative Package and Call for Passage Before End of Session Amid Opposition from House GOP to Block State and Local AI Laws

ALBANY, NY – Today, May 20th, as part of her annual Artificial Intelligence (AI) Week, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Chair of the NY Senate’s Internet and Technology Committee, hosted a press conference in the Capitol to announce a sweeping legislative package that reestablishes New York’s position as a leader in safe and responsible AI policy. The package, composed of seven bills – S1169, S7263, S7599, S335, S1854, S6471, S6751, and S6953,– tackles the urgent need to protect the workforce from their companies’ use of AI, hold chatbots accountable, and create comprehensive guardrails for safe AI development and deployment across New York State. 

The Senator was joined by bill sponsors Senators Hinchey, Gianaris, Webb, Cleare, and Gounardes, and AM Bores who spoke on their respective bills, as well as advocates from NYS AFL-CIO, S.T.O.P., Common Sense Media, PEF, and Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Senator Gonzalez’s remarks included advocacy for her bills, the New York AI Act, Licensed AI Professionals Bill, and an automated decision-making bill. The Senator also used the opportunity to double down on her opposition to the House Republican reconciliation text that includes a provision to implement a 10-year moratorium prohibiting states and municipalities from enacting their own AI-related legislation. 

Chair of the Internet & Technology Committee, Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “Artificial intelligence is already impacting our daily lives, and without greater accountability, its irresponsible use poses major risks to our communities and further erodes the trust everyday people have in public and private institutions. We cannot wait for Washington to act. We must lead with legislation that puts people first. Our AI agenda creates transparency, protects workers’ rights, and holds corporations accountable while allowing for innovation. We won't let unregulated technology undermine our values, and I look forward to voting on these bills before the end of this legislative session.”

The 2025 New York AI Legislative Package Includes: 

• S1169 (Gonzalez) - The New York AI Act; Relates to the development and use of certain artificial intelligence systems
• S7263 (Gonzalez) - Imposes liability for damages caused by a chatbot impersonating certain licensed professionals
• S7599 (Gonzalez) - Relates to automated decision-making by government agencies
• S335 (Gianaris) - The Twenty-First Century Anti-Trust Act; Relates to actions or practices that establish or maintain a monopoly, monopsony or restraint of trade, and authorizes a class action lawsuit in the state antitrust law
• S1854 (Hinchey) - The Workforce Stabilization Act; Establishes the New York workforce stabilization act requiring certain businesses to conduct artificial intelligence impact assessments on the application and use of such artificial intelligence
• S6571 (Webb) - Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees from the definition of qualified film
• S6953 (Gounardes) - The Responsible AI safety and education (RAISE) Act; Relates to the training and use of artificial intelligence frontier models

Following the passing of the moratorium within the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Senators Gonzalez, Hinchey, Gianaris, Webb, and Gounardes, as well as 50+ other NY State legislators sent a letter to the Speaker of the House, Rep. James Johnson demanding the removal of this provision. The letter was sent on Thursday, May 15, 2025 and noted that “addressing AI is a bipartisan issue and an urgent one… [that the NY legislature] is prepared to work with you to address the shortcomings of rapidly advancing AI technology and protect our constituents.”

Senator Michael Gianaris said,"The federal government is failing to meet the moment to address the technological advancement and monopolistic abuses in many industries. States will have to step up, and my 21st Century Antitrust Act will help New York make the necessary reforms."

Mario Cilento, President of the NYS AFL-CIO said, “AI is a powerful tool, but not a replacement for human judgment or jobs. New York has already enacted a historic law to bring transparency to AI usage in state agencies and provide essential protections for state workers. However, as technology rapidly evolves, we must have more safeguards to protect all workers, ensure transparency, and guard against bias. Because AI’s impact varies by industry and region, states must be able to monitor AI and its impact on jobs and our society. Federal overreach puts all that at risk. Thank you, Senator Gonzales and Assemblymember Otis, for sponsoring S7599 and A8295A to promote responsible AI use.”

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “While artificial intelligence provides countless opportunities across sectors, it also threatens to deepen economic inequality and destabilize our economy by eliminating entire job sectors overnight, if left unchecked - as the federal government now seems interested to do. The Workforce Stabilization Act is a first-in-the-nation effort to get ahead of this crisis before it becomes irreversible. New York has a responsibility to protect workers and our economy by putting people’s livelihoods ahead of corporate profits. I’m grateful to Senator Kristen Gonzalez for leading the charge on this vital legislative package and pushing to get these bills across the finish line before session ends."

Senator Lea Webb said, “I want to thank Senator Gonzalez and Assemblymember Otis for an informative and engaging week of AI education—these conversations are critical as we navigate the future together,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “My bill, S6751 is important because it helps ensure that New York’s film production tax credits continue to support the hardworking people who make our state’s creative industry thrive. As technology evolves, we must be thoughtful about how we use public incentives to maintain good jobs and preserve opportunities for our talented workforce.”

Senator Cordell Cleare said, “I commend Senator Gonzalez for her incredible work as Chair of the Internet & Technology Committee.  I support her entire AI Week Legislative Package and wish to draw attention to my own bill, Senate 6471, which regulates the use of automated decision tools by landlords for making housing decisions.”

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it’s important that we strike a thoughtful balance between innovation and public interest. This legislative package represents a proactive effort to establish essential protections and transparency without stifling technological progress. I support moving forward with clear-eyed caution, ensuring that AI tools are developed and deployed in ways that uphold our values and safeguard our communities."

Assemblymember John Zaccaro said, “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of the AI bill package and oppose the House GOP push for a moratorium on this kind of much needed legislation. This package is not intended to dissuade technological advancements but rather ensure that we set in place appropriate guardrails to protect our communities, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

Alex Fox Cahn, Executive Director at Surveillance Technology Oversight Project said, “Americans need real AI safety, not another big tech bail out. If Congress can’t meet the AI threat, at least they can stay out of the states’ way. State lawmakers have the right, the duty to safeguard their residents from these harmful new platforms, and this industry immunity is the worst sort of crony capitalism.”

Liz Foley, Senior Director of Advocacy Campaigns at Common Sense Media said, “Common Sense Media applauds Senator Gonzalez, Assemblymember Otis, and other New York lawmakers for their leadership in working to establish safeguards for responsible AI use. At a time when families are calling for meaningful protections, it’s encouraging to see New York fighting for thoughtful solutions. It’s deeply troubling, however, that, just as states like New York are stepping up, Congress is considering legislation that would be a gift to giant tech companies in the AI industry at the expense of our kids’ safety and well-being - no rules at the state level, and no rules nationally.  We reject that approach and so should our allies in Washington.”

Christopher J. Ford, Council Leader at Public Employees Federation said, "Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assemblymember Steve Otis, and their committees have worked alongside unions and their communities to address legitimate concerns about the growth and implementation of AI technologies. This bill continues moving the State down the path to protecting the people of New York and the public services they receive. Decisions must be made by humans capable of understanding their impact. This requires respecting the knowledge and skills of the existing workforce while proactively training that workforce in a rapidly developing field.”

Kara Williams, Law Fellow at Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) said, “EPIC commends Sen. Gonzalez for her leadership in protecting constituents from discrimination and other harms caused by the unregulated use of AI. The work of state lawmakers like Sen. Gonzalez is critical to ensuring AI is used safely and equitably, and EPIC joins the Senator in opposing Congressional Republicans’ proposed moratorium on state AI legislation."