Connecticut lawmakers have passed comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation, sending Senate Bill 5 to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont after a final House vote of 131-17 on Friday. The bill garnered bipartisan support, winning approval in the Senate with a 32-4 majority following extensive debates.
Discussions in the House lasted three hours, with legislators raising concerns about how the new regulations would impact businesses, children, and the rapidly evolving technology landscape. “There is no longer doubt that the nature of work, the nature of life, is going to change rapidly with the continued evolution of AI,” stated Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, co-chair of the General Law Committee. He emphasized the need to protect residents without hindering innovation.
While Senate discussions largely concentrated on the bill’s implications for businesses, the House focused on the urgent need for AI regulation. “The time has come,” said Rep. David Rutigliano, R-Trumbull, who argued that the legislation sets necessary parameters without stifling economic growth. “We need to start parameters around some of these AI vehicles and AI programs,” he added.
The quest for effective AI regulation has been contentious in Connecticut, with lawmakers previously divided over how to address a technology evolving more swiftly than the regulatory framework. An earlier attempt to pass AI regulations failed after a veto threat from Lamont, who expressed concerns that excessive regulation could deter business innovation. This time, following an agreement between Lamont and bill author Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford, the legislation has advanced to the governor’s desk, with a spokesperson indicating Lamont’s intention to sign it.
“Governor Lamont made it a priority this session to fight for protections for Connecticut residents — especially children — from serious threats posed by emerging technology,” said Cathryn Vaulman, a spokesperson for the governor. “Parents should be in control of aspects of social media and AI that carry real risks for children’s mental health.”
The legislation, now titled the Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act, encompasses a broad range of regulations pertaining to employment-related decision-making and the use of AI in state agencies. It also seeks to enhance awareness and involvement in AI workforce development through initiatives like the Connecticut AI Academy, aimed at educating parents and small business owners.
Maroney introduced a strike-all amendment last week, which replaced previous bill versions and facilitated passage in the House, where members engaged in a lengthy dialogue. The Senate had previously witnessed similar debates on the necessity of wading into AI policy and the potential impact on both businesses and innovation efforts.
In the House, opposition was less pronounced, with several Republican lawmakers expressing support for the bill after noting that key concerns regarding small businesses had been addressed. Some legislators described the current moment as a crisis demanding urgent AI regulation. “I cannot vote no and hope that ignoring AI and social media is going to make the state of Connecticut any better,” remarked Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell. “It’s not going to protect our residents if I vote ‘No.’”
Yet, some lawmakers voiced apprehensions about potential overreach. “We want innovation here,” said Rep. Tina Courpas, R-Greenwich, emphasizing the need for Connecticut to remain competitive with other states. Others, such as Rep. Bill Buckbee, R-New Milford, questioned the feasibility of regulating rapidly advancing technology, suggesting that efforts might be more theatrical than substantive.
Support for the bill gained momentum earlier this session when Maroney held a joint press conference with Attorney General William Tong, who endorsed many of the bill’s principles. Following the bill’s passage, Tong stated, “Artificial intelligence is exploding everywhere, with potential for good intertwined with severe risks. Neither state nor federal law has kept pace with these developments, and today’s vote is an important first step towards protecting Connecticut families.”
S.B. 5 incorporates elements from various proposals, including a regulatory sandbox allowing companies to test new technologies. This collaborative approach signaled the governor’s willingness to align his legislative agenda with Maroney’s long-sought AI regulations. House Majority Leader Jason Rojas reaffirmed the significance of S.B. 5, indicating that its companion bill on consumer data privacy, Senate Bill 4, is also expected to be voted on soon.
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