Connecticut Passes AI Regulation Bill

0:00Connecticut Senate just passed an amended bill on artificial intelligence after a long debate, voting 32 to 4 in favor of Senate Bill. 5. This comprehensive measure regulates developers of high-powered Frontier AI models, sets up a state sandbox for testing new tech, and adds rules on. Youth social media used plus AI chatbots. Lawmakers pushed it through right after the state's AI Day celebrations in Harford. Earlier this week, the bill got a major rewrite with a strike-all amendment, folding in pieces from other proposals like automated hiring decisions, and workforce training programs. It promotes AI education for teachers, small businesses, unemployed folks, and even parents of baby bond kids through the Connecticut AI Academy. This approach targets specific AI uses like privacy and online safety for minors, dodging broad rules that scared off businesses before. Some senators worried the 40-section on the bus was too big and rushed, potentially hurting innovation and jobs in the state.

1:01Critics like the Minority Leader argued it's too early for state-level regs on tech evolving by the second, pushing for federal action instead. But supporters, including the bill's author, Senator James Moroni, stress protections against AI errors and harms, like a teen suicide linked to a chatbot. The change is pulled in Governor Lamont's favorite ideas on the sandbox and kid safety online. Heasing veto fears from last year's failed try. His office called it a balanced step for user safety without overkill. Debates echoed old divides, but most agreed action beats waiting as AI races ahead. Now the bill heads to the house for its shot, with session winding down fast. Lawmakers hope this patchwork finally sticks, blending safeguards, and growth in one package. This has been Harford News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey, with the story.