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 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 wrapped 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 was 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 failed after the Democratic-controlled General Assembly met its midnight adjournment deadline.
Lawmakers this session also passed a Democratic bill that updates Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation paid sick leave law from 2011 and requires all employers, down to those with a single worker, to provide their employees with time off by 2027. It awaits Lamont’s signature.
Other high-profile proposals also failed Wednesday, including a bill to provide Connecticut residents who telecommute for New York companies with a financial incentive to challenge their income tax bills from that state.
One reason why some concepts faltered this year, including a push to extend the state’s HUSKY health insurance program for immigrants over the age of 15, may be the Democrats’ unusual decision not to reopen the second year of the two-year budget passed last year.
Traditionally the short legislative session is dedicated primarily to adjustments to the second year of the budget.
Instead, late Tuesday, the Senate gave final legislative approval to a plan to spend at least $360 million in remaining federal COVID-19 pandemic funds on key areas, including higher education, not-for-profit social service agencies, municipal aid and children’s mental health. The same bill also granted Lamont expanded authority to move money between state accounts.