S6953B

The New York State Senate passed the RAISE Act on a 58-1 vote, marking what sponsors say is the first state law requiring artificial intelligence companies developing frontier models to create safety plans and implement guardrails. Sponsored by Sen. Gounardes, the bill would mandate that companies developing the highest-level AI systems establish safety protocols and contingency plans. Gounardes cited concerns from leading AI researchers and executives, including a recent op-ed from an Anthropic CEO published in the New York Times, warning that advanced AI systems pose potential risks including the capability to create chemical and biological weapons. The measure represents the first step in state-level AI regulation, according to Gounardes, who argued the technology requires government oversight to ensure it is harnessed for public benefit. Only Sen. Cooney voted against the measure.