Connecticut’s AI Working Group Holds Inaugural Meeting
This week, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group held its inaugural meeting bringing together voting and non-voting members to begin conversation about how the state should approach the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology.
The group is co-chaired by state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven), both of the General Law Committee, which has taken a leading role in shaping Connecticut’s AI policy in recent years.
The meeting opened with a discussion aimed at informing both the direction of the General Law Committee and the broader public conversation among Connecticut residents about the advancements, opportunities, and challenges the state will face as artificial intelligence continues to reshape daily life.
“Our goal is to make Connecticut the leader in responsible AI development,” said Senator Maroney. “This group brings together industry, academic, and government, and the work we do will be critical towards reaching that goal.”
“The first meeting of our AI Working Group is not about having all the answers. It is about creating a space to ask the right questions, share ideas and perspectives, learn from one another, and explore what is possible,” said Rep. Lemar. “Together, we can approach AI with curiosity, purpose, and thoughtful consideration while building a shared understanding and a practical path forward that supports innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact.”
“I am honored to represent the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) as a Co-Chair of the AI Working Group,” said Vince Wilczynski, Co-Chair of CASE. “CASE’s mission includes providing expert guidance on science and technology to the citizens and the state, as well as promoting the application of science and technology to human welfare and economic well-being. CASE’s contributions to the AI working group, including the service of two CASE members on the AI Working Group, exemplify the organization’s ability to accomplish its mission. As an engineer, educator, and AI-practitioner in the field of robotics & STEM outreach, I am continuously reminded of AI’s influence on our daily lives. I congratulate the Connecticut General Assembly for its leadership in this rapidly developing field of AI and its impact on education, industry, and society.”
A focus of the inaugural meeting was establishing a framework for evaluating the state’s existing AI-related legislation going forward. Rather than starting from scratch, the working group agreed to review previously passed legislation using a “start, stop, continue” model.
They worked to identify new actions the state should take as AI technology advances, existing approaches that should be discontinued because they are no longer effective, and current efforts that are working well and that should continue.
Members noted that Connecticut has positioned itself as an early leader among states in AI policy, but the state’s own framework will need to continue to evolve over time.
Members heard a series of presentations and held discussions on the current state of AI in Connecticut, setting the stage for the group’s ongoing work.
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Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 860-240-8671