New York Gov. Kathy Hochul launched a statewide artificial intelligence (AI) research and safety testing initiative on Tuesday (Nov. 10), building independent technical expertise to scrutinize powerful systems as the state prepares to implement its RAISE Act in January.

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The New York Center for AI Responsibility and Research, based at the State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton, will bring together more than 80 scientists from institutions across the state. Its mission combines independent testing, foundational research and training for a new generation of AI safety specialists.

The Tuesday (Nov. 10) announcement came one week after the midterm elections underscored public anxiety about AI. About six in 10 voters said the technology would do more to hurt society, according to the AP Voter Poll, although only about one-quarter called AI a crucial voting factor. The findings provide a political backdrop for stronger safeguards without establishing that AI drove the election results.

“While the federal government fails to act, New York is leading the way on AI safety and holding Big Tech accountable,” Hochul said. “The stakes are too high to simply take AI companies at their word.”

The launch puts research capacity behind New York’s regulatory ambitions. The initiative comes amid the Trump administration’s reliance on voluntary safeguards and congressional inaction on federal AI rules. States including New York and California have moved further toward binding requirements, according to Politico .

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