New York Launches State AI Safety Testing Program
The state will independently test AI systems and train AI safety experts ahead of new safety-framework requirements taking effect January 1.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul launched a state program to independently test AI systems and train AI safety experts, making New York the first state to do so. The center is funded by a $30 million gift from Bloomberg co-founder Tom Secunda and a $25 million research investment from SUNY and New York state.
Why it matters
The launch follows federal reluctance to pursue AI safeguards, with President Donald Trump having called AI safety fears a "hoax" and opting for a voluntary framework shared only with companies. It also responds to public concern after hacks by AI models and warnings from top lab researchers.
The program pairs a $30 million gift from Tom Secunda with a $25 million SUNY and state research investment to fund testing and training. The RAISE Act requires AI companies operating in New York to submit detailed safety frameworks starting January 1, 2027, and it is not yet clear how the center's testing will connect to those submissions.
The players
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul is the Governor of New York, who has positioned the state as a leader in AI regulation and oversight.
Tom Secunda
Tom Secunda is a co-founder of Bloomberg whose $30 million gift is funding the new state AI safety testing center.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States, who has called AI safety fears a "hoax" and favored a voluntary federal framework.
The details
The state program is a testing and training center for AI safety researchers and experts, and it is set to launch before the RAISE Act takes effect. Hochul's office hopes the safety frameworks companies submit will be scrutinized by researchers at the new center.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: Hochul publicly announces the state AI testing program.
January 1, 2027: The RAISE Act takes effect and requires AI safety framework submissions.
Legislative Context
New York's program is a state-level answer to a federal approach that Trump has framed as skeptical of AI safety fears, leaving the RAISE Act as the main binding requirement. By building independent testing capacity before the Act takes effect, New York is positioning itself to evaluate industry safety claims rather than rely on voluntary federal guidance.
Residents who use AI products may see the safety frameworks companies submit under the RAISE Act starting in 2027, which could shape how these tools are built and documented. The state's testing center is designed to scrutinize those submissions, so the reliability of AI services available in New York may be subject to independent review.
The takeaway
New York's approach shows states can build independent AI testing capacity even when federal policy takes a lighter touch. Readers following AI tools should watch whether the safety frameworks filed under the RAISE Act become publicly available for review.
What happens next
The RAISE Act takes effect January 1, 2027, when AI companies operating in New York State must submit detailed safety frameworks.
Further reading
For more on the broader policy debate, explore Artificial Intelligence coverage on Wisevoter.
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Should state governments create their own AI safety rules when federal action stalls?
