In an effort to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on society, the Connecticut Senate voted last week to pass legislation to establish comprehensive guidelines for AI usage across the state.
Senate Bill 2, a priority proposal from Senate Democrats, was approved on an overwhelming, 32 – 4 vote on Wednesday and will head to the House for consideration ahead of the session’s June 4 deadline.
The bill puts Connecticut at the forefront of AI regulation and seeks to ensure that recent technological innovation aligns with public values and safeguards the rights and dignity of every resident. Its passage was led by Sen. James Maroney, a Milford Democrat who has spearheaded several policies related to emergent technology over the last few legislative sessions.
“With this legislation, we are taking a big step forward to protect our communities from the risks of artificial intelligence, promote innovation that reflects our values, and empower every resident with the skills they need to thrive,” Maroney said. “This bill positions us as a national leader in responsible innovation—ensuring that AI works for everyone and that no one is left behind in our rapidly evolving economy.”
The bill addresses three key areas:
- Transparency and accountability;
- Training Connecticut’s workforce to use artificial intelligence;
- Criminalization of non-consensual intimate images
The bill mandates that businesses disclose when AI is used in decision-making processes that affect people’s lives, such as employment, housing, lending, and healthcare. Companies must inform consumers when AI systems, rather than humans, are making critical decisions.
Recognizing the growing role of AI in the economy, the bill calls for the creation of the AI Safety Institute, a new resource to promote ethical, safe, and unbiased AI development. The Institute would support small and medium-sized businesses in designing AI systems that meet internationally recognized standards. In tandem, the bill establishes the AI Academy to provide training programs, helping Connecticut residents learn how to use AI technologies effectively and responsibly.
The bill seeks to address the emerging issue of AI-generated deepfake pornography. Deepfakes use AI to manipulate images or videos, often creating explicit content without the consent of the person depicted. The legislation expands existing revenge porn laws to include AI-generated content, making it illegal to create or distribute deepfakes or other non-consensual intimate images.
The legislation also reflects growing concern about AI’s impact on critical areas like employment and housing. Studies show that a significant percentage of companies and landlords are already using AI to make hiring and tenant screening decisions. The bill’s transparency provisions will ensure that individuals are informed when these systems are used, reducing the risks of bias and discrimination.
