Connecticut is at the forefront of a national conversation: how do we harness the power of artificial intelligence while ensuring it doesn’t outpace our ability to protect people? The state’s lawmakers are wrestling with this very question, and their decisions could set a precedent for others to follow.
Senator James Maroney, Chair of the General Law Committee, has become a passionate advocate for thoughtful AI oversight. He believes that with the right guardrails, Connecticut can foster innovation and give everyone—from tech giants to small startups—a fair shot at success. "We want to be thoughtful and promote the use of AI and give everyone an opportunity to succeed equally, but we also need to protect people," Maroney explains.
This balancing act isn’t just theoretical. David Zboray, who runs a small virtual reality training business in East Hartford, supports some regulation. He sees fair oversight as a way to level the playing field, ensuring that both small and large businesses can innovate without fear of being left behind. However, he and others worry that too many rules could stifle creativity and make it harder for local companies to compete.
On the other side of the debate, some lawmakers and business leaders argue that AI issues are best addressed at the federal level. Representative Vinnie Candelora, Minority Leader, points out that a patchwork of state laws could create confusion and drive businesses to relocate.
Governor Ned Lamont has made his position clear: he’s not against AI regulation, but he favors a targeted approach. For example, he supports increasing penalties for the misuse of deepfake images—an area where AI can cause real harm. However, he’s wary of broad, sweeping bills that might inadvertently push companies to do business elsewhere. "AI should be a big piece of our future. I would just slow down a little bit. Those things that are illegal, we will make sure those people are held accountable," Lamont says.
For Connecticut residents and business owners, the outcome of this debate matters. Thoughtful regulation can protect consumers, encourage responsible innovation, and help the state remain competitive. But the wrong approach could have the opposite effect.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Stay informed about local and federal AI legislation, as it may impact your business or daily life.
- If you’re a business owner, consider how potential regulations could affect your operations and plan accordingly.
- Engage with lawmakers—your voice can help shape fair and effective AI policies.
Summary of Key Points:
- Connecticut lawmakers are debating how to regulate AI to balance innovation and protection.
- Small businesses support fair oversight but fear overregulation.
- Governor Lamont prefers targeted, not broad, AI laws.
- The legislative process is ongoing, with the senate currently considering the bill.
- The outcome could influence how other states approach AI regulation.