Sen. Kristen Gonzalez

The bill creates a Chief AI Officer to guide AI use across state government with ethical standards and transparency. She stressed the urgency of proactive state leadership given rapid AI evolution and federal threats to state AI enforcement authority.

Explained campaign finance reforms in Part OO, stating changes make the program easier to administer while maintaining focus on small-dollar donors. Noted that 50,000 New Yorkers donated under $250 in the last cycle, increasing small-donor participation from 5% to 45% of campaign funding.

The sponsor argued the bill provides necessary consumer protections during formal utility investigations, citing the 2021 Central Hudson case where 8,000 customers were incorrectly billed. She emphasized the PSC does not consistently use existing authority to protect consumers and that the bill only applies to significant investigations with broad consumer implications, not routine rate cases.

Introduced the bill to address New York's healthcare crisis by requiring public data on community healthcare access and establishing stressed healthcare zones. Cited multiple hospital closures including Mount Sinai Beth Israel and argued the data would help prevent closures that leave communities without access to life-saving care.

Introduced the bill two sessions ago to establish clear guardrails for AI as the technology rapidly advances. The chapter version ensures transparency in state employment decisions, provides labor protections, and creates an inventory of AI systems used in state government.

The bill protects consumers from excessive charges during formal investigations into utility company practices. Investigations are triggered only by 25+ customers, municipalities, or the Department of State, and the PSC must find complaints credible before protections apply. Customers still must pay their bills but are shielded from late fees and interest during investigations and 120 days after findings are issued.

Spoke in favor, noting a recent incident where an AI chatbot spread misinformation about chamber members. Argued the bill is necessary to protect democracy by informing New Yorkers about AI inaccuracy and holding companies accountable for misinformation.

Advocated for the bill as necessary to address an undeclared health crisis caused by hospital closures. Argued that aggregating Department of Health data on closures and identifying distressed hospital zones will ensure communities have the information needed to make critical healthcare decisions and prevent New Yorkers from losing health access.

Emphasized that New York's healthcare system is in crisis with hospitals closing and critical services migrating to wealthier neighborhoods. Argued that communities most impacted by hospital closures deserve transparency, accountability, and a seat at the table in decision-making, citing the proposed closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel in her district.

Argued that New York must proactively govern AI use in state government to ensure ethical and equitable deployment while protecting against risks including worker displacement, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data privacy violations, and discriminatory bias. The chief AI officer will spearhead consistent statewide policies and have authority to audit and deactivate non-compliant AI systems.

Spoke in favor of AI deceptive practices protections and the Empire AI Consortium, highlighting New York's leadership on deep-fake legislation and responsible AI development.

Sponsor argued the bill is opt-in with a two-year window and no punitive measures. Emphasized that broadband is essential for unhoused individuals to access jobs, education, and telehealth, and that New York City already has this mandate. Noted ConnectALL has $1.2 billion allocated plus federal subsidies, and that OTDA reviews costs for reasonableness.

Gonzalez emphasized the urgent need for cybersecurity protections, citing 3,600+ cyberattacks on government entities since 2017 and specific incidents affecting hospitals in low-income communities and Suffolk County government. She argued the bill's requirements for data protection standards and vulnerability assessments will build trust and protect New Yorkers' personal information.

Argued that removing the government operations rule would increase access to the courts and allow class-action lawsuits to hold state agencies accountable. Cited examples of successful class actions challenging foster care, nursing homes, and NYPD practices.

Sponsor argued the bill is crucial for supporting survivors of economic abuse, which affects the vast majority of domestic violence victims. She emphasized that distributing materials on identifying, preventing, and addressing economic abuse at key locations will help close the knowledge gap preventing survivors from accessing available programs and support.

The bill addresses identity theft by allowing victims to present unexpired state-issued photo ID (passport, government ID) at retail company locations to regain account access. She cited Wall Street Journal reports of cases where stolen iPhones were used to lock victims out of accounts and drain tens of thousands of dollars.

Highlighted Part U protections limiting telecom cooperation with out-of-state warrants seeking health data, protecting abortion seekers from persecution in home states, and supporting continued healthcare funding fights.

As a recent college graduate, this is essential care for students; New York must send a clear message that it provides abortion without apology; the bill helps all New Yorkers by reducing pressure on clinics seeing out-of-state patients.

Representing a waterfront district burdened by fossil fuel infrastructure and health impacts, Gonzalez cited the success of public power entities nationwide and NYPA's track record as proof that public utilities deliver cheaper, greener and more reliable energy than private corporations. She praised the bill's aggressive timeline, labor protections, and alignment with CLCPA goals.