Connecticut Passes AI Regulations, Balancing Safety and Growth

0:00It's April 23rd, Hartford News Today starts now, AI powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Connecticut Synod just dropped a big win for AI regs, passing Synod Bill 5 by a 32-4 vote after hours of heated debate. The Bill targets developers of cutting edge frontier AI models, sets up a state sandbox for companies to test new tech safely and as rules on youth. Social media use plus AI chatbots to protect kids online. Earlier this week, right after Hartford's AI Day festivities, lawmakers swapped in a major amendment packing and workforce development like expanding. The Connecticut AI Academy for Parents, Unemployed Folks, Small Businesses, and Teachers. It also covers AI in state agencies and employment decisions without slamming businesses too hard. Lawmakers split hard on this. Some like Senator James Moroni pushed it for key protections since AI can mess up big time while critics worried it's. Two broad and rushed, potentially hurting innovation and jobs.

1:01Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding argued it should wait for federal rules on this fast evolving tech. This comes after years of stalled efforts, like last year's Bill that passed the Senate but got killed by a veto threat from Governor Ned Lamont over. Business impacts. This version we use in his priorities, like the sandbox and youth safeguards, earning a nod from his office for balancing safety and growth. Now the bill heads to the House for its shot, as pressure mounts to get AI rules in place before things spin further out of control. Waiting isn't an option anymore.