Late on Wednesday, the Connecticut Senate managed to pass a revised artificial intelligence regulation bill with broad bipartisan support. However, uncertainty remains over whether these changes will prevent Gov. Ned Lamont from exercising his veto power. Sen. James Maroney, based in Milford and recognised for his expertise in data privacy and AI, expressed cautious optimism that the amendments will address key concerns.
Earlier attempts in the House had faltered, partly due to the governor’s reservations about possibly hindering innovation. Meanwhile, Sen. Paul Cicarella from North Haven highlighted that the revised bill strikes a careful balance between protecting consumers and reducing litigation risks for developers and users. With a vote tally of 32-4, the legislation drew support from every Democrat and a majority of Republicans.
Still, there is unease about whether the changes might inadvertently slow the growth of AI technology—a concern compared by Lamont’s adviser to the challenges of navigating a new industrial era. Maroney’s amendments, co-sponsored by four Republican senators, focus on promoting transparency in AI applications and criminalising the distribution of deep-fake pornography. Notably, the bill now omits provisions designed to counter algorithmic discrimination and exempts AI use in healthcare, drawing criticism from critics like Sen. Gary Winfield from New Haven, who warned that removing the discrimination clause could leave a significant gap.
Sen. Tony Hwang from Fairfield voiced his apprehension, arguing that the bill might be too restrictive at this early stage. He advocated for a nurturing regulatory environment that does not stifle AI’s potential. Despite these concerns, Senate leaders have prioritised SB 2 as a caucus initiative, recognising the state’s ambition to lead in responsible AI governance while remaining mindful of the challenges ahead.
With federal regulation still stalled and some Republicans pushing for a state regulatory moratorium, Connecticut is attempting to forge a measured path forward. If you’ve ever grappled with finding the right balance between innovation and oversight, you’ll appreciate the delicate dance this bill performs—seeking to foster growth while ensuring safety and fairness.
