Senator Hartley Leads Senate Passage of Bill to Establish an AI Small Business Program

This week State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), Chair of the Commerce Committee, led senate passage of a bill that would direct the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop a plan to establish an Artificial Intelligence Small Business Program.

Senate Bill 417, ‘An Act Requiring the Department of Economic and Community Development to Develop a Plan to Establish an Artificial Intelligence Small Business Program’ will now head to the House.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our economy and Connecticut’s small businesses cannot afford to be left behind,” said Senator Hartley. “This bill takes a smart, strategic approach that helps our small businesses harness the power of AI to grow and compete. Connecticut has always understood that a strong economy is one that works for everyone and that means equipping our workers with the skills they need to thrive.”

This legislation requires DECD, in consultation with other state agencies, public higher education institutions, and any other necessary public entities, to develop a comprehensive plan to establish an AI small business program with two core objectives: incentivizing small businesses to adopt and deploy artificial intelligence to improve productivity and the quality of their products and services, and establishing a competitive small business environment for the development and deployment of AI technologies.

Under the bill, the plan developed by DECD must include eligibility criteria and an application process with clear guidelines and terms for financial assistance. Any small business seeking financial funding through the program would be required to train its employees to work alongside AI technologies and prepare workers for new roles in the event that their current positions may be displaced by AI adoption.