Connecticut House passes AI safety bill with bipartisan support
Connecticut's House voted 131-17 Friday to approve Senate Bill 5, legislation that establishes protections against artificial intelligence harms and expands workforce development programs. The bill passed the state Senate last month by a 32-4 vote and now goes to Gov. Ned Lamont for his signature.
The legislation requires AI companion operators to include protocols for detecting user expressions indicating self-harm. It also shields residents from what lawmakers called "dangerous chatbots" and establishes standards for how AI systems interact with children.
What the bill covers
Senate Bill 5 addresses three main areas: protections against AI harms, fair treatment of workers, and development of an AI-literate workforce, according to Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford, the bill's leading Senate proponent.
"You can both protect residents and promote innovation," Maroney said. "This bill will shield vulnerable people from dangerous chatbots, ensure workers are treated fairly, and lay the groundwork for Connecticut to become the most AI literate state in the nation."
Republican support underscores broad backing
The bill's passage reflects agreement across party lines on the need for AI guardrails. State Rep. Joe Hoxha, R-Bristol, said he agreed with 90 to 100 percent of the legislation.
Hoxha noted the bill's estimated cost of $1 million to $2 million was justified by the protections it provides. "When technology gets weaponized to the point where real and fake become indistinguishable, that is not a fair expectation to have for society," he said.
State Rep. David Rutigliano, R-Trumbull, emphasized the bill does not stifle innovation or economic development. "What we're saying is that we need to start parameters around some of these AI vehicles, these AI programs, that interact with our children," he said.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk said the legislation showed states can act without waiting for federal action. "This bill protects our children, safeguards workers, and ensures our state is building the AI-ready workforce of tomorrow," he said.
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