Author: SDO Automation

Happening Today: AI Bill Signing Ceremony

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Press Advisory

AI Bill Signing Ceremony

Happening today, Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m., there will be a bill signing ceremony for SB5, landmark legislation protecting Connecticut residents from AI-related harms, combatting youth social media addiction, and positioning Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI. Governor Ned Lamont will sign Public Act 26-15, into law, with State Senator James Maroney and Representative Hubert Delany in attendance.

Public Act 26-15 was developed collaboratively by Governor Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and Senator Maroney in response to federal inaction on AI and social media safety.

WHAT:
Bill signing ceremony for the C.A.R.T. Act (SB 05 / Public Act 26-15), landmark legislation protecting Connecticut residents from AI-related harms, combatting youth social media addiction, and positioning Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI

WHEN:
Today, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Hartford Applied AI Center
10 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT

WHO:

  • Governor Ned Lamont
  • Senator Martin Looney
  • Senator Bob Duff
  • State Senator James Maroney
  • Representative Hubert Delany
  • Representative Roland Lemar

The legislation addresses three major areas:

Protecting minors from social media addiction
Social media platforms must verify user ages, obtain parental consent before minors can access algorithmic feeds, restrict notifications to minors between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and default to a one-hour daily limit on algorithmically personalized content. Parents may modify these defaults.

Regulating AI to protect residents
AI chatbot operators must have protocols to detect and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Employers must disclose when AI is used in hiring and employment decisions.

Building Connecticut’s AI workforce
The bill funds AI literacy programs for nonprofits and small businesses, establishes partnerships with the Departments of Housing and Labor to connect residents to the AI Academy, and asks DECD to create the plan for an AI regulatory sandbox to foster innovation under appropriate oversight.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov | 860-240-8671

Senator Steve Cassano

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL DECISION

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Senator Anwar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL DECISION

“Today’s decision makes clear what voters demanded at the ballot box in November. Harrison Amadasun won a seat on the South Windsor Town Council, and today’s decision reconfirms that. I commend the extensive work that led to this decision, ensuring town statutes were properly followed, and look forward to Town Councilor-elect Amadasun’s swearing-in Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in the South Windsor Council Chambers.”

State Senator Saud Anwar, on the announced decision by the Connecticut Superior Court on Monday, June 1 that South Windsor Town Council candidate Harrison Amadasun won election to the Town Council, as a change in town statutes was found to not go into effect until 2027.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT ON BOND COMMISSION RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR NONPROFIT, HOUSE OF WORSHIP SECURITY

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Senator Anwar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT ON BOND COMMISSION RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR NONPROFIT, HOUSE OF WORSHIP SECURITY

“As violence against houses of worship of every religion continues to be a scourge in our society, I remain grateful to Connecticut for continuing to support the safety and security of nonprofits and religious locations with investments like these. It has been close to a decade since Senator Derek Slap and I worked together to create the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and since then, tens of millions of dollars have been committed to help our state fight and prevent antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Christian and anti-religious sentiment weaponized against innocent worshippers.”

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), following the State Bond Commission’s May 29 release of $5 million to the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program
 

New Haven Delegation Secures More Than $7.7 Million in State Bond Commission Funding

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New Haven Delegation Secures More Than $7.7 Million in State Bond Commission Funding

HARTFORD—Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, Senator Gary Winfield, and State Representatives Pat Dillon, Roland Lemar, Juan Candelaria, Al Paolillo, Steve Winter, and Toni Walker today announced that New Haven secured more than $7.7 million in state bond funding approved by the State Bond Commission at its May 29, 2026 meeting.

The approved funding supports community development, education, parks, recreation, and nonprofit infrastructure across New Haven. The funded projects are:

Through the Community Investment Fund 2030:

  • Albertus Magnus College will receive $500,000 to modernize infrastructure at the Cosgrove Marcus Messer Athletic Center, including its recreation and swimming facility.
  • The City of New Haven will receive $250,000 for a planning grant to support revitalization of Ball Island as part of the Mill River Municipal Development Plan.
  • Friends Center for Children, Inc. will receive $2,000,000 for a Phase II planning grant to expand childcare capacity and community assets at its Flint Street campus.
  • Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. (LEAP) will receive $1,300,000 for abatement and renovation of the Roslyn M. Meyer Community Center on Jefferson Street.
  • Leeway, Inc. will receive $250,000 for a planning grant to develop an integrated residential care continuum option in New Haven.

Through the Office of Policy and Management Urban Development Program:

  • Friends Center for Children, Inc. will receive $1,500,000 for facility expansion and equipment.
  • The City of New Haven will receive $243,000 for lighting and power access improvements at Edgewood Park.
  • The City of New Haven will receive $1,000,000 for improvements to East Shore Park, including youth soccer facilities.

Through the Department of Administrative Services Charter School Capital Program:

  • Amistad Academy Middle School will receive $672,079 for student bathroom renovation, alarm system upgrades, and PA system improvements.

“These investments reflect the deep and sustained commitment of the New Haven delegation to ensuring that our city’s community institutions, public spaces, and educational facilities receive the capital support they need to serve residents effectively,” said Senator Looney. “Each of these projects strengthens the fabric of New Haven and advances the goals this delegation has long championed through the Community Investment Fund and our ongoing state budget work. I am grateful to my colleagues on the State Bond Commission and to the organizations and city officials who made the case for these investments.”

“These investments reach into the everyday lives of New Haven families, from childcare and youth recreation to residential care and educational facilities,” said Senator Winfield. “That breadth reflects what this delegation has worked to build: a sustained commitment to the community institutions that make New Haven function for the people of our city. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in securing these resources.”

“Being able to follow up on the $26 million in increased State Aid at the end of the session, this new bond funding also shows our continued commitment to investing in our community and, in particular, our youth. I am very excited about East Shore Park improvements for youth soccer that I have been involved with, which will provide such a fun, positive, and safe outlet for our kids,” said Rep. Paolillo. “Whether it is schools, parks, supportive housing, or organizations like the Friends Center, I want to thank Governor Lamont, Senator Looney, and our New Haven legislative delegation for prioritizing these projects that will help improve the quality of life for New Haven residents.”

“This bonding money provides critical funds to projects in New Haven that reflect our values, including childcare expansion, infrastructure improvements, and more,” Rep. Candelaria said. “Thank you to my fellow New Haven legislators for your tireless commitment to our city, and to Gov. Lamont and the entire State Bonding Commission for approving these funds.”

“I am excited that Edgewood Park will receive funding for lighting. It will improve park safety and boost the local economy. Thank you to the State Bond Commission for this investment and all of the investments for New Haven,” said Rep. Dillon.

“These investments represent a major commitment to New Haven’s future and to the people who call our city home. From expanding access to high-quality childcare and strengthening community centers, parks, schools, and recreational facilities, these funds will help create opportunities for residents of all ages,” said Rep. Roland Lemar. “I am especially proud to see support for organizations and projects that enhance educational outcomes, promote healthy communities, and drive neighborhood revitalization. I want to thank Governor Lamont and our state partners for recognizing the importance of investing in New Haven’s families, students, and community institutions. Together, these projects will make a lasting difference and help ensure our city continues to thrive for generations to come.”

“I am fortunate to work alongside a group of experienced colleagues who understand the process in Hartford and collaborate effectively to deliver for New Haven. This funding will help meet community needs in several important areas for our residents,” said Rep. Steve Winter. “I want to thank Governor Lamont for his support and collaboration in including these items on the agenda.”

Tomorrow: AI Bill Signing Ceremony

Posted on by SDO Automation

Press Advisory

AI Bill Signing Ceremony

Happening tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m., there will be a bill signing ceremony for SB5, landmark legislation protecting Connecticut residents from AI-related harms, combatting youth social media addiction, and positioning Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI. Governor Ned Lamont will sign Public Act 26-15, into law, with State Senator James Maroney and Representative Hubert Delany in attendance.

Public Act 26-15 was developed collaboratively by Governor Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and Senator Maroney in response to federal inaction on AI and social media safety.

  • WHAT:
    Bill signing ceremony for the C.A.R.T. Act (SB 05 / Public Act 26-15), landmark legislation protecting Connecticut residents from AI-related harms, combatting youth social media addiction, and positioning Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI.
  • WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
  • WHERE:
    Hartford Applied AI Center
    10 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT
  • WHO:
    • Governor Ned Lamont
    • Senator Martin Looney
    • Senator Bob Duff
    • State Senator James Maroney
    • Representative Hubert Delany
    • Representative Roland Lemar

The legislation addresses three major areas:

  • Protecting minors from social media addiction:
    Social media platforms must verify user ages, obtain parental consent before minors can access algorithmic feeds, restrict notifications to minors between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and default to a one-hour daily limit on algorithmically personalized content. Parents may modify these defaults.
  • Regulating AI to protect residents:
    AI chatbot operators must have protocols to detect and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Employers must disclose when AI is used in hiring and employment decisions.
  • Building Connecticut’s AI workforce:
    The bill funds AI literacy programs for nonprofits and small businesses, establishes partnerships with the Departments of Housing and Labor to connect residents to the AI Academy, and asks DECD to create the plan for an AI regulatory sandbox to foster innovation under appropriate oversight.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 860-240-8671

Duff and Norwalk Delegation Secure Nearly $11 Million for Norwalk at State Bond Commission

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Senator Duff and Norwalk Delegation Secure Nearly $11 Million for Norwalk at State Bond Commission

Investments support affordable senior housing near South Norwalk station, mental health services expansion, school upgrades, and neighborhood infrastructure

HARTFORD — Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and the Norwalk legislative delegation today announced nearly $11 million in state investments for Norwalk approved at the May 29 meeting of the State Bond Commission. The funding supports affordable senior housing development, mental health services, charter school improvements, and sidewalk infrastructure across the city.

The approved investments include:

  • Sound Communities — 79 South Main Street — $6,000,000: The Bond Commission approved a combined $6 million for Sound Communities’ transit-oriented affordable senior housing development adjacent to the South Norwalk train station. The project by Sound Communities, the development arm of the Norwalk Housing Authority, received $3 million through the Community Investment Fund 2030 and an additional $3 million through the state’s Urban Development grant program. The development will bring new housing units to one of the city’s most-connected transit corridors.
  • Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center — 98 East Avenue Acquisition — $2,000,000: The Bond Commission approved $2 million through the Community Investment Fund 2030 for the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center to acquire 98 East Avenue in Norwalk. The center serves more than 2,500 children, adolescents, and caregivers annually in Norwalk, with more than 70 percent of clients covered by Medicaid or uninsured.
  • City of Norwalk — East Rocks Road Sidewalks — $2,500,000: The Bond Commission approved $2.5 million for the replacement of sidewalks on East Rocks Road from Cannon Street to Bayne Street, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility in the neighborhood.
  • Side By Side Charter School — $474,078: The Bond Commission approved nearly $475,000 for capital improvements at Side By Side Charter School in Norwalk, including new heating controls and replacement of all exterior doors.

“Norwalk is growing by leaps and bounds, and today’s Bond Commission investments show what it looks like when state government shows up for this city,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “From affordable senior housing steps from the South Norwalk train station to expanded space for the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center — which serves thousands of kids and families every year — to safer sidewalks and better school facilities, this funding touches every part of what makes Norwalk work. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for continuing to invest in Norwalk’s future.”

“These investments are a major win for Norwalk. Nearly $11 million in state funding will help expand affordable housing, strengthen mental health services, improve pedestrian safety, and support our schools,” said Rep. Travis Simms. “I’m proud to have worked with Senator Duff and the Norwalk Delegation to deliver resources that will have a lasting impact on residents and continue moving our city forward.”

“As Norwalk’s population expands and grows, the city needs to expand and grow with it. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued investment in Norwalk. These funds will greatly impact our community,” said Rep. Kadeem Roberts.

“This funding represents a vital investment in the future of our community,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan. “These projects reflect our commitment to creating opportunity, improving quality of life, and ensuring every neighborhood has the resources it needs to thrive. By supporting affordable housing development, expanding access to mental health services, improving charter school facilities, and upgrading critical sidewalk infrastructure, we are making our city safer, stronger, and more accessible for all residents.”

“Another round of significant funding is coming to Norwalk. The allocated funding our delegation secured addresses several critical community issues, from new sidewalks on busy streets, to more housing options for our families and seniors, to support for our youth-serving organizations. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for your continued investment in our city,” said Rep. Dominique Johnson.

“Thank you to Senator Duff, Governor Lamont, and the entire state delegation for advocating for $11 million in funds for Norwalk from the Bond Commission,” said Norwalk Mayor Barbara Smyth. “We are grateful for their continued partnership for our city. These funds will go a long way for senior housing, mental health resources, sidewalks, and more of the meaningful work local organizations are doing for our community.”

Stamford Delegation Applauds $15.67 Million in State Funding for Four Stamford Projects

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Stamford Delegation Applauds $15.67 Million in State Funding for Four Stamford Projects

HARTFORD — Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation Friday applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of approximately $15.67 million in funding for four Stamford projects, including three Community Investment Fund grants that will strengthen early childhood education, advance affordable housing development, and expand substance use treatment services, as well as a capital improvement grant for the Stamford Charter School for Excellence.

The four projects approved Friday are:

  • Stamford Charter School for Excellence: Nearly $2.42 million for renovations and improvements, covering architectural, engineering, and construction costs.
  • Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County – Grove Head Start: $7 million for building renovation and expansion of The Grove Center to strengthen early childhood education in Stamford.
  • St. John Urban Development Corporation – St. John Towers: $6 million for abatement and demolition of the St. John Towers property to prepare for affordable housing redevelopment.
  • Liberation Programs, Inc. – Liberation House: $250,000 planning grant for renovation of the first floor of Liberation House to support women in recovery from substance use disorders.

“Behind each of these investments are real Stamford residents: children, families, and women in recovery whose lives will be improved because of them,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “Grove Head Start gives our youngest children access to quality early learning in a facility built for their success. St. John Towers clears the path for the affordable housing opportunities our residents need and deserve. Liberation House means more women in recovery have access to the services that can change the course of their lives. And the Stamford Charter School for Excellence gets the improvements that will help its students thrive. I thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their commitment to our community.”

“These continued investments in the Stamford community will pay dividends for decades to come,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “Key support for education and housing will benefit so many, now and in the future. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their commitment to our region.”

“Public dollars should deliver public good, and these investments strengthen opportunities for children and families across Stamford,” Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “As House Chair of the Committee on Children, I’m proud of the investments made to prepare our future generations for success, including renovations at the Stamford Charter School of Excellence and facility investments at the Grove Head Start Center.”

“I’m also grateful that Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission followed the Community Investment Funds’ recognition of the need to expand affordable housing and support women in recovery through Liberation House.”

“These vital investments will strengthen critical services and create new opportunities for Stamford residents,” said Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford. “These initiatives expand access to early-childhood education, advance affordable-housing development, support substance-use treatment programs, and make much-needed school renovations. Thanks to the Fund and Governor Lamont for their continued partnership and commitment to Stamford’s future.”

“These projects address real needs in Stamford, including strengthening early childhood education, advancing affordable housing, and supporting women’s recovery treatment services,” said Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, D-Stamford. “We are investing in Stamford. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of these initiatives for our city.”

“This investment supports critical services that many Stamford residents rely on. Projects including advancing affordable housing development at St. John Towers, strengthening early learning at Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, investing in services at Liberation Programs Inc., and supporting renovations at the Stamford Charter School of Excellence meet the needs of our community and allow Stamford to continue to grow and thrive,” said Rep. Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding and making a real investment in our community.”

“These investments bring real resources home to our community,” Rep. Hubert Delany, D-Stamford, said. “This funding will expand early childhood education through the Grove Head Start project, prepare the St. John Towers for future affordable housing, enhance recovery services for women through Liberation Programs, and support renovations at the Stamford Charter School for Excellence. This funding will help to create opportunities for residents and families and ensure Stamford continues to grow in a way that supports the people who live here.”

The three Community Investment Fund projects were among several CIF recommendations the board approved in March following a competitive application process. The CIF directs state bonding dollars to community-based capital projects across Connecticut.

Senator Hartley Welcomes $1 Million to Flanders Nature Center

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Senator Hartley Welcomes $1 Million to Flanders Nature Center

Today, state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) is welcoming $1 million approved by the State Bond Commission for Flanders Nature Center for renovations to its facilities in Woodbury. The investment will support the construction of a new Agricultural Education Pavilion and code compliance renovations to the center’s early childhood education program facilities.

The funding, secured through Senator Hartley’s initiative, reflects her longstanding commitment to environmental education and land conservation in the communities she serves.

“Flanders Nature Center is a treasure for Woodbury and for the entire region,” said Senator Hartley. “It has opened children’s eyes to the natural world and provides hands-on learning experiences that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom. This investment will ensure that Flanders can continue and expand that vital work for years to come, and that its youngest learners have a safe, modern facility where they can thrive.”

The funding will support two key priorities at the center. The new Agricultural Education Pavilion will create dedicated space for programming that connects children and community members to farming, food, and land stewardship, and hands-on experiences that are increasingly rare and increasingly important. Alongside the new pavilion, the grant will fund critical code compliance renovations to the facilities that house the center’s early childhood education programs, ensuring those spaces meet current safety and accessibility standards.

The effort to secure this funding drew broad community support. Waterbury and Middlebury Board members championed the project, recognizing Flanders as an invaluable regional resource. Their advocacy underscored the deep ties between the center and the communities it serves.

The Waterbury Public School students have participated in the center’s programming enriching their classroom learning with real-world environmental and agricultural experiences. That relationship has made Flanders a meaningful extension of Waterbury’s educational community, and this investment will allow that partnership to grow and serve even more students in the years ahead.

Flanders Nature Center serves as a cornerstone of environmental education and land conservation in the greater Woodbury area. Its early childhood programs introduce young learners to the natural environment at a formative age, building a foundation of environmental awareness, curiosity, and stewardship that lasts a lifetime.

The addition of an Agricultural Education Pavilion will expand the center’s capacity to offer programming that connects participants directly to sustainable farming and food production, critical knowledge in an era of growing concern about food security and environmental sustainability.

Senator Hartley Welcomes $1 Million to Flanders Nature Center

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Senator Hartley Welcomes $1 Million to Flanders Nature Center

Today,state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) is welcoming $1 million approved by the State Bond Commission for Flanders Nature Center for renovations to its facilities in Woodbury. The investment will support the construction of a new Agricultural Education Pavilion and code compliance renovations to the center’s early childhood education program facilities.

The funding, secured through Senator Hartley’s initiative, reflects her longstanding commitment to environmental education and land conservation in the communities she serves.

“Flanders Nature Center is a treasure for Woodbury and for the entire region,” saidSenator Hartley. “It has opened children’s eyes to the natural world and provides hands-on learning experiences that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom. This investment will ensure that Flanders can continue and expand that vital work for years to come, and that its youngest learners have a safe, modern facility where they can thrive.”

The funding will support two key priorities at the center. The new Agricultural Education Pavilion will create dedicated space for programming that connects children and community members to farming, food, and land stewardship, and hands-on experiences that are increasingly rare and increasingly important. Alongside the new pavilion, the grant will fund critical code compliance renovations to the facilities that house the center’s early childhood education programs, ensuring those spaces meet current safety and accessibility standards.

The effort to secure this funding drew broad community support. Waterbury and Middlebury Board members championed the project, recognizing Flanders as an invaluable regional resource. Their advocacy underscored the deep ties between the center and the communities it serves.

The Waterbury Public School students have participated in the center’s programming enriching their classroom learning with real-world environmental and agricultural experiences. That relationship has made Flanders a meaningful extension of Waterbury’s educational community, and this investment will allow that partnership to grow and serve even more students in the years ahead.

Flanders Nature Center serves as a cornerstone of environmental education and land conservation in the greater Woodbury area. Its early childhood programs introduce young learners to the natural environment at a formative age, building a foundation of environmental awareness, curiosity, and stewardship that lasts a lifetime.

The addition of an Agricultural Education Pavilion will expand the center’s capacity to offer programming that connects participants directly to sustainable farming and food production, critical knowledge in an era of growing concern about food security and environmental sustainability.

Senator Duff Welcomes Court Ruling Temporarily Blocking Trump Slush Fund

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Senator Duff Welcomes Court Ruling Temporarily Blocking Trump Slush Fund

“A federal court did the right thing today. Whether it holds is another question. We have seen the courts cave to this regime before, and nobody should assume this ruling survives. What is at stake is $1.8 billion in hard-earned taxpayer money being handed to people guilty of corruption, people who assaulted police officers and tried to overturn a free election. We are already exploring legislation to impose a 100% state tax on any payments Connecticut residents collect from this fund. If Republican slush fund dollars begin to flow to people guilty of these crimes, we will be ready to act.”

– Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) on a federal court decision temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov