Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters about new AI regulations during a press conference in New York City, Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. (Photo provided)
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Amid rapid growth in artificial intelligence, New York officials are moving forward with new regulations aimed at keeping pace with the evolving technology.
Starting in November, large AI developers will be required to register with the state and report certain safety incidents within 72 hours under the RAISE (Responsible AI Safety and Education) Act, which Gov. Kathy Hochul signed in December 2025.
“We have seen how to harness the good, but cannot turn a blind eye to the potential for catastrophic impacts,” Hochul said during a news conference Monday.
As the state moves to implement the law, one local cybersecurity expert said the challenge will be ensuring regulations can evolve as quickly as the technology.
“The interesting thing as we move along through the weeks and the months and the years with this is: Is there going to be enough flexibility in the act to pivot when we need to pivot?” said Paul Robinson, a cybersecurity consultant with Tempus Network.
MORE:Former Google employee & nonprofit co-founder adds to growing calls to slow down AI | Trump announces he is forming ‘AI Force,’ will name ‘AI czar’ soon
Robinson called the law a strong starting point but said additional changes could be needed as AI continues to advance.
“I think it’s a fantastic start,” he said. “You have to do something at this point. Is it where it needs to be? No, because AI is moving so rapidly.”
New Yorkers who spoke with 13WHAM also expressed differing views about AI’s growing role in everyday life.
“People adapt and they learn things, and the world always changes, right?” Rochester student Colin Mrocazko said. “I think new technology usually helps. So I may be wrong, but I think it’s beneficial in the long run.”
Others said the technology is advancing faster than people have had time to consider its potential consequences.
“We haven’t really had the time to think about if this is something that we want, and what are the long-term effects?” Rochester resident Ella Zack said.
As state officials consider additional safeguards, Robinson said AI presents a unique challenge for lawmakers because regulations may need to change alongside the technology.
“This isn’t your classic legislation where it’s like, ‘This is law, this is the way it’s going to go till, you know, forever,'” Robinson said. “It’s making sure that there is flexibility in the law to kind of evolve with AI as AI continues to evolve alongside with it.”
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney was the lone “no” vote when the Senate passed an earlier version of the RAISE Act in June 2025. His office said he later supported the negotiated version that Hochul signed into law.
“The senator recognizes the importance of implementing smart, responsible legislation to regulate AI,” a spokesperson for Cooney said. “While he continues to believe these kinds of regulations should be systematized by Congress, he supported the updated RAISE Act and voted in favor of the negotiated agreement that the governor is now implementing throughout the state.”
A representative for Bruce Blakeman, Hochul’s opponent in the governor’s race, did not respond to a request for comment.
8
NY’s first prehospital blood transfusion service launches in Rochester5
Rochester man convicted in murder that led to police shootout10
Local organization donates two cars to veterans organization5
Robert Brooks’ family vows to continue fight for prison reform after $24M settlement
