January 9, 2026 — As 2025 came to a close, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed the final bills passed by the Legislature, many of which addressed PEF priorities.
AI bills passed as the technology grows
PEF continues to lead in developing a fair and balanced regulatory framework to protect members and all New Yorkers from the potential challenges posed by the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). PEF was successful in securing the first real regulations around the development of generative AI with the enactment of legislation requiring large AI developers working in New York to adhere to uniform development protocols, develop risk assessments and publicly disclose information critical safety issues. It also sets fines for failure to submit required information and requiredincident reports.
The other PEF-endorsed AI bill builds off of PEF’s win last year by expanding the current wage reduction, layoff and displacement protections in place for PEF members at state-operated agencies to include employees at SUNY, local school districts and municipalities.
“AI is rapidly expanding. We have seen what it can do in almost every part of our lives,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “We no longer live in a world where we can try to avoid it, but if we are going to embrace it, we have to make sure our members are protected. These bills do just that.”
Workplace bills centered on information and safety
Two important workplace bills were also signed by the governor. One focuses on providing important employment and benefit information to new employees, and the other affords state employees additional protection when a crime is committed at the workplace.
S5760/A6624 standardizes the practice of giving prospective new hires specific information about the position they are being offered. It amends current Civil Service Law to require state agencies to disclose the salary information, appointment type, position type and duration, jurisdictional class, probationary information, collective bargaining information, retirement benefit information, deferred compensation information and information on health care benefits. It would also provide information on hold item positions, in the case of promotions.
S4906/A6055 amends the current executive law to allow for victims to choose to give police incident statements at the worksite or at a police station if the crime took place at a state-operated hospital, mental health facility or nursing home.
“Safety has always been PEF’s primary concern. No one deserves to be attacked while at work and everyone deserves to come home the same way they left,” said President Spence. “When these incidents do occur, however, we want to make sure that the perpetrator is held accountable. Making sure that the victim statement can be taken and evidence gathered as soon as possible and that the victim can do so with their comfort and safety in mind is incredibly important and a step in the right direction.”
SUNY Downstate updates incoming
Last but certainly not least, PEF looks back with pride on its role in saving SUNY Downstate from closure. Working in partnership with United University Professionals (UUP), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), members of the clergy and residents of Brooklyn, PEF secured $1.1 billion in capital and operating funding to update the hospital and keep its inpatient services.
“This was a major announcement and victory for us in 2025,” said President Spence. “Despite the uncertainty with the federal budget and the DOGE cuts that happened earlier this year, Governor Hochuland the majorities in both the Senate and Assembly have demonstrated a long-term commitment to improve SUNY Downstate and keep it running for the residents of Brooklyn. This is a tremendous victory for our members, the members of UUP and AFT, and for Brooklyn residents who deserve quality, accessible healthcare right in their community.”