Albany, NY – On Saturday, Governor Hochul signed a landmark bill requiring that automated decision-making systems used by state agencies be subject to guardrails and regulation. Sponsored by NY State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Steve Otis, this bill (S.7543B/A.9430B) marks the first time any state in the U.S. has enacted legislation providing transparency and inventory governing the use of artificial intelligence in state government operations. The legislation also protects collective bargaining and employment rights of government employees where automated decision-making tools are used.

Under the legislation, the NYS Office of Information Technology Services will maintain an inventory of state agency artificial intelligence systems and provide guidance of agencies identifying the elements to be collected and submitted for the inventory. The inventory will be available to the public through posting on the New York State open data website.

Kristen Gonzalez, Chair of the Senate Committee on Internet and Technology, said, “I want to thank the Governor for her signature on this first in the nation legislation. By signing this bill, the Governor has positioned New York as a leader in leveraging the opportunity of AI while setting the standard for protecting government workers. As we adopt more AI-powered tools, we need accountability and transparency to provide New Yorkers with a deep understanding of how these tools are being used. I am proud of the work we’ve done alongside Assemblymember Otis, the NYS AFL-CIO, CSEA, and Public Employees Federation to pass this legislation and I look forward to continuing to regulate artificial intelligence as Chair of the Senate Internet and Technology Committee.”

Steve Otis, Chair of the Assembly Science and Technology Committee, said, “Governor Hochul has made New York State a leader in technology growth and the beneficial uses of AI. The Governor has now positioned our state to take the lead in careful use and transparency for governmental applications of automated decision-making. Senator Gonzalez and I have developed legislation so that governmental uses are reviewed and evaluated. Other states should take steps to put guardrails in place. Congratulations also go to the NYS AFL-CIO, CSEA, and Public Employees Federation for their important involvement and support.”

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “We commend Senator Gonzalez and Assemblymember Otis for sponsoring this bill and thank the Senate and Assembly Democratic Leadership and Democratic Majorities in both houses for passing the LOADinG Act. Collaborating with Governor Hochul, everyone involved enacted this historic law to bring transparency to AI usage in state agencies and provide essential protections for state workers. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Gonzalez and Assemblymember Otis to ensure all employers implement AI responsibly.”

As our government adopts more AI powered tools, we need accountability to protect workers and transparency to provide New Yorkers with a deep understanding of how these tools are being used in everyday operations. The signing of S.7543B/A.9430B underscores the commitment of New York State to be a leader in responsible use of artificial intelligence.