Press Release: 9/18/2026

Governor Healey Calls for Strong AI Safety and Transparency Protections in Mass Wins Act

 



For immediate release:



9/18/2026




  • Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll



BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today called for the inclusion of strong artificial intelligence (AI) safety and transparency protections in the Mass Wins economic development bill currently being negotiated by the Legislature. The Governor supports requiring independent evaluations of the most powerful AI models and stronger requirements for companies to report serious safety incidents.



Governor Healey’s recommendations build on her call earlier this week for stronger safeguards and independent oversight as increasingly powerful AI systems are developed and deployed. In a letter to members of the Mass Wins Act Conference Committee, she called for a framework that protects residents while allowing Massachusetts researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses to continue leading in innovation.



“AI has enormous potential to drive scientific discovery, strengthen key industries, improve public services, and create new opportunities for businesses and residents across Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “At the same time, the rapid pace of AI development raises serious concerns about safety, accountability, privacy, civil rights, the future of work, and public trust. We cannot allow this technology to move faster than our ability to put appropriate safeguards in place, and we can’t let the responsibility for managing these risks rest with technology companies alone. We need strong action on both the state and federal levels.”



Governor Healey is calling for the final legislation to include strong safety and transparency requirements for the most powerful AI models, building on provisions included in the Senate version of the Mass Wins Act. The Governor is also recommending that the final bill strengthen two areas:




  • Independent safety evaluations: Create a path toward independent reviews of the most powerful AI models instead of relying only on companies to determine whether their own systems are safe. Governor Healey is also calling on government, industry and academia to help develop strong safety standards and build the expertise needed to conduct these reviews.

  • Earlier reporting of serious incidents: Require companies to report serious safety incidents sooner, giving the state greater visibility into potential risks and the ability to respond before more people are harmed.



Massachusetts’ work comes as states across the country begin developing frameworks governing the safety of frontier AI systems. California, New York and Illinois have enacted laws addressing areas including safety protocols, transparency and reporting of critical safety incidents.



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