State Lawmakers Focus On AI Regulation And Housing Crises

Jan. 2, 2025, 11:32 am ET

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  • State lawmakers in 2025 are prioritizing AI regulation, housing crises, and other critical issues.
  • AI-focused bills aim to address algorithmic discrimination and automated employment decisions.
  • New York’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget includes landmark measures to tackle the state’s housing crisis.

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Quick Brief

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Essential Context

As state lawmakers begin their new sessions in 2025, several key issues are set to dominate the agenda. Artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, housing affordability, and measures to protect tenants and homeowners are at the forefront.

Core Players

  • Governor Kathy Hochul – New York State governor, championing housing reforms.
  • State Legislatures – Across the U.S., focusing on AI, housing, and other critical issues.
  • Tenant and Homeowner Advocates – Pushing for stronger protections and affordable housing initiatives.
  • AI Industry Stakeholders – Influencing AI policy and regulation.

Key Numbers

  • 679 – Measures related to AI considered by state lawmakers in 2024.
  • $600 million – Capital funding for housing in New York State’s FY 2025 Budget.
  • 15,000 – New homes to be built on state land in New York.
  • 100,000 – Affordable homes target in New York’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan.

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The Catalyst

New York’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget marks a significant shift in addressing the state’s housing crisis. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a historic agreement to increase housing supply, promote affordability, and strengthen protections for renters and homeowners.

This initiative includes $500 million to build up to 15,000 new homes on state land and over $600 million in capital funding to support housing statewide.

Inside Forces

The housing crisis in New York has been exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing and rising costs. The new budget aims to combat this by introducing anti-price gouging measures for renters, stronger protections against evictions, and new enforcement measures to protect homeowners from deed theft.

Additionally, efforts are being made to combat discrimination against Section 8 households and affordable housing providers on the insurance market.

Power Dynamics

The regulation of AI is another critical issue for state lawmakers in 2025. With over 679 measures related to AI considered in 2024, there is a growing need for cohesive and effective AI policies.

State lawmakers are grappling with the complexities of AI, including algorithmic discrimination, automated employment decisions, and the need for federal pre-emption of state AI laws to prevent a fragmented policy landscape.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of these legislative actions are significant. For housing, the measures in New York’s budget could set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially easing the national housing crisis.

For AI, the policies being developed will influence national security, data privacy, and the ethical use of AI across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and employment.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for AI legislation. With potential regulatory schemes being proposed in states like Texas and Colorado, there is a likelihood of increased regulatory activity.

The tech industry will need to adapt to these evolving policies, which could shape the future of AI adoption and innovation in the U.S.

In housing, the long-term goal is to make housing more affordable and accessible, with ongoing efforts to build more homes and protect the rights of tenants and homeowners.

Data Points

  • April 2024: New York announces its FY 2025 Enacted Budget to address the housing crisis.
  • December 2024: Bipartisan House AI Task Force releases a comprehensive report on AI issues and innovation.
  • 2024: Over 679 AI-related measures considered by state lawmakers across the U.S.
  • 2023: New York’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan aims to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes.

As state lawmakers delve into these critical issues, their decisions will have far-reaching impacts on the lives of Americans, from housing affordability to the ethical and secure use of AI.