New York State Courts Announce Interim Policy for AI Use

 The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) unveiled an interim policy on October 10 governing the use of artificial intelligence across all court functions and devices, aiming to balance the technology’s benefits with its risks.

 The policy, available at https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/a.i.-policy.pdf, applies to all UCS judges, justices, and nonjudicial employees, covering any device used for UCS-related work, whether owned by the court system or not.

Subject to revision, the policy aligns with operational needs, legislation, regulation, and public policy, according to the announcement.  The interim guidelines emphasize the responsible use of AI, particularly generative AI, which can produce human-like text or content based on user prompts. The policy restricts generative AI to UCS-approved tools and mandates initial and ongoing AI training for all judges and nonjudicial employees with computer access.

AI tools hold significant potential to assist with tasks like drafting documents and summarizing data, the policy states, while cautioning that such tools can produce unreliable outputs, including fabricated information, biased content, or inappropriate language. It requires careful review of AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and inclusivity. The policy also addresses risks such as breaches of confidential information and underscores that AI must not be used for decision-making tasks that judges are ethically obligated to perform or in ways that violate the ethical responsibilities of nonjudicial employees.  AI technology must be used in a manner consistent with the ethical obligations of judges and nonjudicial employees, the policy states, setting guardrails to ensure fairness, accountability, and security.

The UCS said the policy reflects a commitment to harnessing AI’s potential while safeguarding the integrity of the court system.

Further revisions may be made as the technology evolves, officials noted.

 

Schuyler County Attorney Warns of Scams Targeting Inflation Refund Checks

Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman is urging residents to beware of scammers sending fake text messages and making fraudulent calls in a bid to steal personal information as New York state begins distributing billions of dollars in tax refunds and rebates this fall.

Getman said the scams are exploiting anticipation over Gov. Kathy Hochul's inflation relief checks, which are being mailed to more than 8 million eligible households in amounts up to $400. The one-time payments, part of the 2025-26 state budget, aim to offset New York’s excess tax revenues.

"These criminals are preying on hardworking families eager for well-deserved relief, posing as state officials to trick people into sharing sensitive details like Social Security numbers or bank information," Getman said. "No legitimate government agency will ever ask for that over the phone or via unsolicited text."

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance began mailing the checks at the end of September, with deliveries continuing through October and November. Eligible recipients — those with 2023 adjusted gross incomes under $150,000 for individuals or $300,000 for joint filers who filed state tax returns — do not need to apply or provide additional information, Getman said.

Scammers' messages often reference "Gov. Hochul's inflation relief checks" or claim urgent action is required to "claim your refund" or "verify payment details," according to alerts. Similar frauds have targeted other rebates, including the STAR property tax relief program, amid a surge in phishing attempts statewide.

Getman advised anyone receiving suspicious contacts to hang up or delete the messages immediately, without engaging or clicking links.

"Report these scams right away to local law enforcement the state Tax Department at 518-457-5181 or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint," Getman said.

"By staying vigilant, we can protect our community and ensure this relief reaches those who need it most."

Schuyler County Joins Opioid Lawsuits Settlements Totaling Over $7B

Tue, September 23, 2025 by Lucas Day:

In a special session on Monday (09/22/25), the Schuyler County Legislature authorized County Attorney Steven Getman to execute legal documents finalizing two landmark settlement agreements addressing the opioid crisis, totaling more than $7 billion.

The agreements include a $720 million national settlement with eight pharmaceutical companies and a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. The $720 million settlement involves Alvogen Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc., Apotex Inc., Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Indivior Inc., Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc., and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.

Schuyler County expects payments to begin as early as 2026, with New York State and its counties receiving up to $38.7 million collectively. The agreement also includes injunctive relief prohibiting certain opioid marketing practices and provides opioid addiction treatment medications or equivalent cash payments valued at approximately $86 million.

The $7.4 billion Purdue Pharma and Sackler family settlement ends the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and bars them from selling opioids in the United States. The settlement, implemented through Purdue’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, includes a $6.5 billion contribution from the Sackler family over 15 years, with $1.5 billion paid in the first year. Funds will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs in Schuyler County and communities nationwide over the next 15 years. A board of trustees, selected by participating states and creditors, will determine Purdue’s future, with oversight by a monitor to prevent opioid lobbying or marketing.

“These settlements mark a significant step toward continued accountability for the opioid crisis that has devastated our communities,” said Steven J. Getman, Schuyler County Attorney. “The funds will provide critical resources for treatment and prevention, and the injunctive relief ensures these companies can no longer fuel addiction through allegedly deceptive practices.”

Read more at the link above.

Summons and Complaint: The County of Schuyler v Purdue Pharma L.P. by Steven Getman

Second Amendment Legal Update, October 2025

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.