Author: Devin James

SENATOR KUSHNER WELCOMES STATE GRANTS TO REMOVE AQUATIC WEEDS IN CANDLEWOOD LAKE AND LAKE KENOSIA

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 29, 2024

SENATOR KUSHNER WELCOMES STATE GRANTS TO REMOVE AQUATIC WEEDS IN CANDLEWOOD LAKE AND LAKE KENOSIA

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed the news that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has awarded $545,000 to 13 cities and towns to reduce the impact of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in Connecticut – including grants for Candlewood Lake and Lake Kenosia.

Today’s DEEP grants include:

• $25,724 to the Candlewood Lake Authority for education and outreach for the Candlewood Lake Steward Program to educate boaters about the aquatic invasive threatening Candlewood Lake. The main invasive plant threat to Candlewood Lake is Eurasian watermilfoil, which arrived in the lake (likely from a boat trailer) in the 1970’s. The plant creates dense mats of aquatic vegetation which have been difficult to kill due to Connecticut’s warming winters.

• $30,399 to the Housatonic Valley Association, Inc. to remove Water Chestnut from Lake Kenosia in Danbury. Lake Kenosia is a 60-acre lake with a 25-acre public park which offers benches, a playground, a spray park, four soccer fields, and non-motorized boating.

“I think we all knew back in 2019 when we voted for this program the challenges that our lakes and streams were facing from a variety of invasive plant species. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also hurt property values and they can really reduce the enjoyment that you get when you head outdoors. Just ask anyone who’s had to swim through a mat of milfoil or pull it off their boat propellor,” Sen. Kushner said. “I’m very pleased to see DEEP directing some of these funds back to the Danbury area so we can stay on top of the problem.”

The Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program was made possible in 2019 when the Connecticut General Assembly voted on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis to create the Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp fee (Public Act 19-190) which applies to all registered boats using Connecticut waters, to provide a dedicated funding source for the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account.” This account funds programs to protect the state’s lakes, ponds, and rivers by addressing aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms.

Over the past three years, Connecticut has awarded approximately $952,700 to 46 projects statewide.

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Sen. Lesser Celebrates Opening Day of Rocky Hill Ferry

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

Sen. Lesser Celebrates Opening Day of Rocky Hill Ferry

State Senator Matt Lesser celebrates the seasonal re-opening of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry on Friday, April 26 at 7 a.m.

“The Rocky Hill Ferry is a beloved service for residents of our district and those across Connecticut,” said State Sen. Matt Lesser. “The opening day of the Ferry is a sign that winter is coming to an end and warmer months are ahead. Constituents have been eagerly awaiting the seasonal reopening and I am thrilled that water levels have now returned to a safe operating level. Here’s to another summer on the Connecticut River!”

Both the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury and the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry services were delayed from an anticipated April 1 start due to high water levels on the Connecticut River. The services run daily through November 30. The two historic ferries across the Connecticut River are some of the most unique modes of transportation in the country, where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles are all welcome.

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America, which began service in 1655. At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river. In 1876, the ferry was modernized to steam driven crafts. Today’s craft is a three-car barge named the Hollister III that is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tug boat.

Both ferries operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com.

For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries.
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PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS, PROVIDERS: HEALTH DATA PROTECTION MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY THIS SESSION IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
April 25, 2024

PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS, PROVIDERS: HEALTH DATA PROTECTION MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY THIS SESSION IN CONNECTICUT
[Hartford, CT] – In response to growing concerns over the protection of sensitive health information, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield) joined representatives from a large coalition of state health care provider associations including the Connecticut Hospital Association, the Connecticut Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, physician and nursing groups, mental health providers, nursing homes and other clinicians at the state Capitol today, all calling for legislation to strengthen data protections in Connecticut and improve our own state health information exchange.

For more than two weeks in August 2023, Manchester Memorial Hospital was targeted by a cyberattack that forced emergency services to divert people to hospitals as far away as Massachusetts. Two other hospitals were also affected by the attack, impacting care and impeding access. Then, in February, Change Healthcare, the nation’s largest clearinghouse for medical payments, was the target of a sophisticated cybercrime that prevented healthcare authorizations, eligibility determinations and payments.

Connecticut is not alone in the battle against cyberattacks. Last September, the Justice Department revealed that nationwide, 400 cyberattacks on healthcare companies in 2023 affected 61 million people and their personal health data.

Senate Bill 1, currently under consideration by legislators, includes provisions for hospitals and nursing facilities to submit plans and processes to respond to cybersecurity disruption to an auditor to determine adequacy of such plans and processes. They will also be tasked with reporting to the Departments of Public Health, Administrative Services and Emergency Services and Public Protection regarding whether those plans are adequate and steps being taken to implement recommended improvements. The bill additionally seeks to create a working group studying health information exchanges.

“Cybersecurity failures compromise patient safety, provider security and lead to a lower overall quality of care,” said Senator Anwar, who is a practicing physician and co-chair of the Public Health Committee. “We need to have protections and standards in place to ensure the interruptions that paralyzed care in the past don’t occur again. Provisions in Senate Bill 1 are designed to proactively address this issue and work with stakeholders in a coordinated manner to protect health information data in our state.”

“The interconnectivity of health information offers valuable insight and data that can allow us to provide more efficient health care to our patients. It is crucial; however, to navigate the current landscape with caution, safeguarding both patients and their health information and their health care providers, from potential risks and breaches,” said Amanda Gunthel, MD, President of the CT Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Gunthel also called for attention to our state’s Health Information Exchange, Connie, stating “Creating a working group with key stakeholders in SB 1, including members of our coalition, will create a path forward where we can work together to find solutions that will afford patients and providers alike the protections necessary to see the benefits of a well thought out, safe and effective health information exchange.”

“It is critical that we work together to ensure the protection of patient data and the physicians and clinicians responsible for the privacy and confidentiality of their patients,” Anthony Yoder, MD of the CT Chapter, American College of Physicians added. ”We applaud the call for a stakeholder workgroup to  work collaboratively on improving our state’s health information exchange.”

Dante Brittis, MD, President of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society added, “On behalf of our 250 orthopaedic surgeon members, we extend our appreciation to Senator Saud Anwar for his leadership in recognizing the serious impact cyberattacks have on the healthcare system, our practices, and our patients and championing the urgent need for action.”

The broad coalition of providers includes CAHCF/CCAL • CALA • Connecticut Academy of PAs (ConnAPA) • Connecticut APRN Society • Connecticut Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers • Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home • Connecticut Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CTAMFT) • Connecticut Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CTANA) • Connecticut Association of Optometrists • Connecticut Chapter, American College of Physicians • Connecticut Chiropractic Association • Connecticut Chiropractic Council (CCC) • Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians • Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges • Connecticut Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • Connecticut Counseling Association (CCA) • Connecticut Hospital Association • Connecticut Nurses Association • Connecticut Orthopaedic Society • Connecticut Physical Therapy Association • Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association • Connecticut Psychiatric Society • Connecticut Psychological Association • Connecticut State Dental Association • Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists • Hezekiah Beardsley Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics • LeadingAge Connecticut • National Association of Social Workers/CT • Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

Caption: Sen. Anwar speaks in the Legislative Office Building Thursday.
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Senator Miller Leads Passage of Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Miller Leads Passage of Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt

Senator Patricia Billie Miller, Senate Chair of the legislature’s Banking Committee, led passage Wednesday of a bill meant to prohibit coerced debt, a form of economic abuse, in which an offender makes another person liable for indebtedness as a means of control.

Senate Bill 123, An Act Concerning Coerced Debt, originated in the Banking Committee and passed the state Senate on Wednesday. It will now head to the House for consideration during the final two weeks of this year’s legislative session.

“No one should be bound by financial ties deliberately intended to entangle them in an abusive relationship,” Senator Miller, D-Stamford, said. “This form of abuse is disproportionately directed at women and SB 123 takes important steps to ensure that victims can reclaim their financial autonomy.”

Senate Bill 123 defines coerced debt as debt in the name of a domestic violence victim, incurred by force or under duress, threats, intimidation, or undue influence.

The bill provides relief to victims of coerced debt by creating a process by which creditors can be required to pause their collection activities. The proposal provides these victims a legal means to establish that their debt is coerced and ask a court to relieve them of their financial obligation to pay it. Claimants like debt collectors could then seek to hold abusers accountable for any unpaid debt.

Coerced debt often includes tactics like forcing a partner to open a credit card or overspend using an existing card. An abusive partner may also coerce a victim into borrowing money to pay for a product or service and then deny them access to their purchases. This can include products like vehicles or services like utility payments.

These practices often damage the credit scores of domestic abuse victims, restricting their independence and creating barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities.

“By defining and protecting against coerced debt, we are empowering survivors to sever those ties without the burden of unjust debts placed upon them under duress,” Senator Miller said.

Economic abuse is often reported by domestic violence survivors, according to the members organizations with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For instance, 90% of the survivors served by the Susan B Anthony Project in Torrington have experienced some type of economic abuse with between 65% and 75% reporting types of coerced debt.

This abuse is not exclusive to Connecticut. A 2019 survey by the Center for Survivor Agency & Justice found that 52% of 1,823 women who called the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported experiencing coerced debt.

Connecticut joins the states of New York and North Carolina in considering policies to prevent this abusive behavior and these bills follow similar laws adopted in California and Minnesota.
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Senator McCrory Highlights Funding for Senior and Youth Programming in Windsor

Posted on by Devin James
Senator McCrory

Senator McCrory Highlights Funding for Senior and Youth Programming in Windsor

This week, Senator Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, highlighted funding he helped secure for two important projects benefiting the Windsor community including money for a program helping seniors stay in their homes and support for a nonprofit seeking to offer health and wellness programing in Windsor schools.

Senator McCrory helped find $15,000 to support a new initiative by the Windsor Senior Center, which will aid seniors living in the community providing essential housework. This will include basic home upkeep tasks like snow removal in the winter or cleaning up leaves in the fall.

“This funding underscores our commitment to supporting Windsor seniors who choose to age at home,” Senator McCrory said. “As a community, we must prioritize helping our aging neighbors to maintain their independence and ensure that their day-to-day needs are met with compassion.”

Additionally, Senator McCrory helped secure $20,000 for the nonprofit Dilligence Training Cares. This group is an offshoot of the Dilligence Training, a boutique health center based in East Hartford, and provides youth mentorship programs designed to reinforce the importance of empowerment, involvement and community.

Dilligence Training has been recognized as the #1 Health and Wellness Center in Hartford County in each of the past three years. Its co-founders, President Terrell Huff and Vice President Devonté Dillion, a former Windsor High School student, have committed to providing young people with the role models they needed growing up.

The group has provided tailored wellness programs and athletic conditioning to partners including Windsor Public Schools, the Wheeler Health Clinic, The Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, and more.

The funding, secured with Senator McCrory’s assistance, will support Dilligence Training Cares’ community efforts, which the group hopes to expand in Windsor.

“Senator Doug McCrory has aided Dilligence Training Cares exponentially with providing funding that has helped increase awareness and impact within our community initiatives,” Vice President Devonté Dillion said. “With his efforts, Dilligence Training Cares has been able to sponsor membership fitness programs, mentor youth throughout the week and on Community Saturday’s, sponsor nutrition memberships, and engage in community events at the facility such as local business pop ups shops, paint nights, toy drives and fitness challenge ceremonies.”

Photo captions: on left, Senator McCrory meets with seniors at the Windsor Senior Center; on right, Senator McCrory with Dilligence Training Vice President Devonté Dillion.
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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State Senator Gaston Accepting Nominations for 23rd Senate District Recognition Award

Posted on by Devin James

State Senator Gaston Accepting Nominations for 23rd Senate District Recognition Award

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston has created the 23rd Senate District Recognition Award and is looking for nominations from community members for the award. This award recognizes individuals in the community who have demonstrated courage and exceptional leadership qualities.

“This award aims to honor those who have made significant contributions to society through their actions, advocacy, and dedication to positive change,” Senator Gaston, D-Bridgeport, said.

Anyone wishing to nominate someone for this award should fill out the online form at this link by April 30. Please include contact information for the nominee so Senator Gaston’s office can reach out to the person selected for this honor.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Sen. Cohen Votes to Pass Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt

Posted on by Devin James
For Immediate Release
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin – Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov – 860-304-2319

Sen. Cohen Votes to Pass Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt
State Senator Christine Cohen, Vice-Chair of the Banking Committee, voted Wednesday to pass legislation meant to prohibit coerced debt, a form of economic abuse, in which an offender makes another person liable for indebtedness as a means of control.

Senate Bill 123, An Act Concerning Coerced Debt, originated in the Banking Committee and passed the state Senate on Wednesday. It will now head to the House for consideration during the final two weeks of this year’s legislative session.

“Domestic violence takes on many shapes and sizes, and the psychological, physical and financial effects linger with the survivor for a very long time. Financial abuse often leaves a survivor with affected credit, which creates a substantial barrier to housing, employment and more, making it even more difficult to leave an abusive situation,” said State Senator Christine Cohen. “Connecticut continues to build upon protections for survivors, and this will serve as a complement to existing law and relief mechanisms for identity theft. I am personally very proud of our work here, as coerced debt is something that has affected someone very near and dear to me, and I hope that no other Connecticut resident will have to endure this.”

Senate Bill 123 defines coerced debt as debt in the name of a domestic violence victim, incurred by force or under duress, threats, intimidation, or undue influence.

The bill provides relief to victims of coerced debt by creating a process by which creditors can be required to pause their collection activities. The proposal provides these victims a legal means to establish that their debt is coerced and ask a court to relieve them of their financial obligation to pay it. Claimants like debt collectors could then seek to hold abusers accountable for any unpaid debt.

Coerced debt often includes tactics like forcing a partner to open a credit card or overspend using an existing card. An abusive partner may also coerce a victim into borrowing money to pay for a product or service and then deny them access to their purchases. This can include products like vehicles or services like utility payments.

These practices often damage the credit scores of domestic abuse survivors, restricting their independence and creating barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities.

Economic abuse is often reported by domestic violence survivors, according to the members organizations with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For instance, 90% of the survivors served by the Susan B Anthony Project in Torrington have experienced some type of economic abuse with between 65% and 75% reporting types of coerced debt.

This abuse is not exclusive to Connecticut. A 2019 survey by the Center for Survivor Agency & Justice found that 52% of 1,823 women who called the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported experiencing coerced debt.

Connecticut joins the states of New York and North Carolina in considering policies to prevent this abusive behavior and these bills follow similar laws adopted in California and Minnesota.

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SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
April 24, 2024

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined the Senate’s vote to pass Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session, providing landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence. While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption in multiple ways; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could prove detrimental to the public.

“AI is both one of the biggest benefits and biggest potential problems of the modern world,” said Sen. Maher, “and it represents an important focal point for this year’s legislative advance. We have an opportunity here to create guidelines for its use in a way that supports businesses and innovation while also remaining focused on its potential negative and detrimental uses. I’m proud to see Connecticut become a leader on this topic and hope to see this thorough, effective legislation become law.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employment and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was clear earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General’s office would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also addresses and acknowledges its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

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

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
April 24, 2024

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the Senate’s vote to pass Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session that provides landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence. While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could provide detriment to the public.

“AI’s growing use and influence stands to transform industries and parts of our world, but without proper oversight, its negative impacts could match those of social media’s,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their foresight in this bill’s development, properly considering both the challenges and benefits of this technology’s growing adoption, and their approach that allows for innovation in AI’s best uses and protections against areas where it could be misused or harmful for society.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employment and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was prominently raised earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General’s office would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also approaches the technology acknowledging its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
April 24, 2024

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s vote to pass Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session that provides landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence. While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could provide detriment to the public.

“AI’s rapid rise is leading to new breakthroughs in health care and other industries, but has also fostered the development of less friendly uses like deepfakes and purposeful misinformation,” said Sen. Anwar. “This bill is wide-ranging and intends to represent the best of both worlds – allowing for innovation where possible while restricting bad actors and harmful uses. I’m encouraged by its advance today and look forward to it becoming law.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employment and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was prominently raised earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General’s office would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also approaches the technology acknowledging its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
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