Connecticut AI Bill Clears Statehouse, Heads to Governor
Connecticut AI Bill Clears Statehouse, Heads to Governor
Publish Date: 2026-05-05 18:02:00
Source Domain: www.govtech.com
(TNS) — Looking to the future of technology, state lawmakers granted final legislative approval on a key bill regulating artificial intelligence in an attempt to protect children and consumers without stifling one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.
The bill, lawmakers said, will establish Connecticut as a national leader in oversight of a major industry that involves billions of dollars and is a large driver on the stock market. The legislation creates a regulatory framework at the same time that lawmakers say they want businesses to capitalize on the technological revolution.
After more than 2 1/2 hours of debate, the state House of Representatives voted 131-17 last week with all negative votes cast by Republicans. The Senate had previously approved the bill by 32-4 with Republican Sens. Rob Sampson of Wolcott, Tony Hwang of Fairfield, Eric Berthel of Watertown, and Ryan Fazio of Greenwich against the measure.
The legislative compromise marks a sharp change from recent years when Gov. Ned Lamont threatened to veto previous bills because he feared that too much regulation would hinder growth of the industry and prevent high-technology companies from growing in Connecticut or moving to the state.
Lamont’s new spokeswoman, Cathryn Vaulman, said that Lamont favors the bill with “commonsense protections” and will sign it into law.
“Governor Lamont made it a priority this session to fight for protections for Connecticut residents — especially children — from serious threats posed by emerging technology,” she said. “Parents should be in control of aspects of social media and AI that carry real risks for children’s mental health. Workers should be able to benefit from greater efficiency on the job without fearing discrimination or displacement by AI.”
Known as Senate Bill 5, the wide-ranging, 71-page bill would create oversight committees, adopt workforce development…
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