New York governor says state is using AI to review every regulation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her administration is using artificial intelligence to review every regulation, rule, and policy in the state, aiming to identify and eliminate outdated provisions. During an interview with Bloomberg’s Odd Lots podcast, Hochul stated that her team used AI to analyze state legislation, a process she said would have taken staff five years but was completed in a couple of months with AI assistance.

Hochul cited specific examples of antiquated laws surfaced by the AI review, including a $25 fee required to take a dog hunting and a stipulation that pregnant people need a permit to work after midnight. She framed the effort as part of a broader push to modernize state governance, saying, “I want a government that’s not on your back but on your side, and using AI has been powerful to do that.”

The announcement comes amid Hochul’s recent decision to sign a moratorium on new hyperscale AI data centers in New York, a move aimed at addressing concerns about rising utility costs and strain on natural resources. State lawmakers are now developing regulations to govern data center growth during the pause.

Hochul indicated she plans to expand the use of AI across state agencies, stating, “I think every level of government should use this… I’m going to make dramatic changes using the power of AI.” The administration’s claims about the speed and scope of the AI-assisted review have not been independently verified.