Connecticut lawmakers winding down session without passing AI regulations, other big bills

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers began the 2024 legislative session with hopes of passing one of the first major bills in the U.S. to rein in bias in artificial intelligence and protect citizens from harm.

But a veto threat from Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, a former businessman who voiced concern the legislation might stifle innovation and make Connecticut an outlier among other states, scuttled the bill in the final days of the session that was wrapping up Wednesday night.

“It’s disappointing Connecticut is losing its chance to lead in the AI space,” said Democratic Sen. James Maroney, who has been working on the issue for two years with lawmakers from across the U.S. He expressed optimism that something will pass next year in Connecticut.

The AI legislation is one of several bills proposed during the short three-month legislative session that attempted to address major, weighty issues — from climate change to the codification of abortion rights in the state’s constitution. All appeared destined for defeat as the Democratic-controlled General Assembly’s midnight adjournment deadline neared.

Lawmakers did pass legislation that makes numerous nursing home reforms, including prohibiting facilities from placing new residents in rooms with more than two beds. They also passed a Democratic bill that updates Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation paid sick leave law from 2011 and require all employers, down to those with a single worker, to provide their employees with time off by 2027. It now awaits Lamont’s signature.

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