The Connecticut Senate has passed a revised artificial intelligence regulatory bill, Senate Bill 2, with bipartisan support, but concerns remain about whether the changes will satisfy Gov. Ned Lamont. The bill, co-chaired by Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford, passed on a 32-4 vote on Wednesday night, with all 25 Democrats and seven of the 11 Republicans in support.
The revised measure maintains significant consumer protections while limiting the exposure of developers and users to litigation, according to Sen. Paul Cicarella of North Haven, the ranking Senate Republican on General Law. “We want businesses to come to Connecticut, know that they’re welcome, know we’re going to be good to them and not put burdens on them,” Cicarella said.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill requires greater transparency about AI uses and criminalizes the dissemination of “deep-fake porn,” synthetically produced intimate photos of an actual person. However, the revisions strike a reference to “algorithmic discrimination,” which had been defined as “any use of an artificial intelligence system that results in any unlawful differential treatment or impact that disfavors” any protected class.
Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, expressed concerns about the deletion of algorithmic discrimination, describing it as an important provision. “I’m voting for this bill, but let’s not fool ourselves. This bill has a glaring hole in it,” Winfield said.
Governor’s Concerns
Gov. Ned Lamont had previously expressed concerns that state regulation might discourage innovation involving AI, likening the technology to a second industrial revolution. “I just worry about every state going out and doing their own thing, a patchwork quilt of regulations,” Lamont said.
The Connecticut bill is one of eight states attempting comprehensive AI regulation, with at least 550 pieces of AI legislation filed this year in 45 states and Puerto Rico. Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff emphasized that SB 2 was a priority for their caucus, highlighting concerns about both the possibilities and threats of AI.
The bill now moves forward with the changes, but its fate remains uncertain pending the governor’s decision.
