News Summary
New York has initiated a pilot program to train state employees in the responsible use of artificial intelligence, as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. Developed in partnership with InnovateUS, this initiative aims to equip employees with essential skills for ethical AI implementation in state operations. The program includes a two-part training structure and features a generative AI sandbox for practical applications. Alongside this initiative, a new policy for the Unified Court System also encourages ethical AI use, highlighting New York’s commitment to responsible technology adoption.
New York is launching a pilot program to train state employees in responsible artificial intelligence (AI) use, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul on October 9, 2025. This initiative aims to prepare employees for the ethical and secure implementation of AI technologies within state government operations.
The training program was first introduced by Hochul in her 2025 State of the State address delivered in January. Developed in collaboration with InnovateUS, an online learning platform already utilized by over 150 U.S. government agencies, the program seeks to provide state employees with the necessary skills to navigate AI responsibly.
The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) is taking the lead in guiding other state agencies through this program. It consists of a two-part training structure designed not only to educate employees about responsible AI use but also to create a secure digital environment that fosters skill development.
As part of the initiative, a proprietary generative AI sandbox powered by Google Gemini has been developed for practical employee use during the training. Volunteers from multiple state agencies will participate in the pilot program, which is expected to conclude at the end of 2025. The insights gained from this pilot will inform future phases of AI adoption within the New York state government.
This move aligns with similar AI pilot programs launched in other states, including a year-long ChatGPT pilot program in Pennsylvania that demonstrated AI as a “job enhancer,” helping employees save an average of eight hours per week. Additionally, Arizona’s Department of Administration conducted a four-week pilot program utilizing Google Workspace with over 200 employees to assess the efficacy and utility of AI in government settings.
Governor Hochul has emphasized the importance of positioning New York at the forefront of the AI revolution while ensuring safety and responsibility in the process. She commended the ITS leadership for their initiative and expressed eagerness to collect feedback from participating employees about their experiences and how the program could better serve New Yorkers.
Furthermore, Dru Rai, the chief information officer, noted that New York aims to establish itself as a national leader in responsible AI, believing it has the potential to significantly enhance government operations and employee skill development.
In a related development, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas introduced an interim policy for the New York State Unified Court System regarding the ethical use of AI. This policy is crafted to guide AI applications within the court system, addressing both the prospective benefits of AI as well as the risks associated with its use.
The interim policy outlines several guiding principles for AI, including the necessity for accuracy in AI-generated content and the ethical obligations of judges in decision-making processes. It mandates the deployment of approved AI tools and stipulates requirements for both initial and ongoing AI training for all judges and nonjudicial employees who have access to computers.
The committee that developed the interim policy was composed of various members with expertise in AI and a deep understanding of its implications for court operations. This demonstrates a comprehensive approach to integrating AI technology within the judiciary while maintaining ethical standards and accountability.
With the pilot program and the corresponding policy for the Unified Court System, New York is taking significant steps towards fostering a culture of responsible AI usage among state employees and in judicial practices. As the program unfolds, the state is expected to gather valuable insights that will shape the future of AI adoption across its government sectors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- StateScoop: New York State AI Training Pilot Project
- CBS6 Albany: NY Court System Launches AI Policy
- WKTV: New York Courts Introduce AI Use Policy
- GovTech: New York Launches Hands-on AI Pilot
- Reuters: New York Court System Sets Rules for AI Use
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Google Search: Artificial Intelligence
- Google Scholar: Artificial Intelligence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- Google News: AI in Government
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
