Connecticut lawmakers have concluded their legislative session without passing regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) and other major bills. Democratic Governor Ned Lamont had threatened to veto the AI legislation, expressing concerns about stifling innovation and making Connecticut an outlier among other states [1d70cd84]. The bill aimed to protect citizens from harm and make Connecticut a leader in the AI space. Despite disappointment, Democratic Senator James Maroney remains optimistic that AI regulations will be passed next year [1d70cd84]. The session did see the approval of nursing home reforms, THC-infused beverages, updates to the paid sick leave law, and absentee voting laws. However, other high-profile proposals, including measures to reduce the cost of e-books for libraries and expand tenant protections, were on the verge of failure [1d70cd84]. Some proposals, such as curbing the cost of e-books for libraries and providing financial incentives for Connecticut residents telecommuting for New York companies, were on the verge of failure [1d70cd84]. The decision not to reopen the budget limited the options for passing bills, leaving the fate of numerous proposals uncertain as the session came to a close. Republican lawmakers criticized this decision, predicting future deficits by using one-time COVID relief funds for operating expenses [1d70cd84]. Lamont forwent the traditional midnight address and instead did an impromptu walkthrough of the House, shaking lawmakers' hands [f5b4d54c].
Meanwhile, in Colorado, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation that will give the state the most far-reaching regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) in the nation. The bill aims to prevent AI bias and businesses will face rules under the new law. However, Governor Polis signed the bill with reservations, urging industry leaders and lawmakers to fine-tune its provisions before it takes effect. Some tech companies and industry groups had urged the governor to veto the measure [ff96db5a].
Indiana lawmakers will examine artificial intelligence, Medicaid spending, and other topics during the interim committee meetings. The study committees will take deep dives into hot-button policy issues and determine if any legislation should be pursued during the upcoming session. The topics include AI, absenteeism's impact on students and school funding, school discipline, child safety, Medicaid costs, tax expenditure reports, and infrastructure financing. However, the study topics do not include environmental issues, which has drawn criticism from some lawmakers [894d4525].