All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
ConnecticutSB 000052026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT CONCERNING ONLINE SAFETY.
Sponsored By: General Law Committee
Signed by Governor
Summary
To (1) establish (A) various requirements concerning artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence systems, artificial intelligence technologies, artificial intelligence companions and automated employment-related decision processes, (B) an Artificial Intelligence Policy Office to be overseen by an Artificial Intelligence Policy Director, (C) an Artificial Intelligence Learning Laboratory Program, (D) a Connecticut AI Academy and require various state agencies to disseminate information concerning said academy, (E) an artificial intelligence working group, and (F) a Connecticut Technology Advisory Board; (2) require (A) subscription-based artificial intelligence providers to make consumer disclosures, (B) frontier developers to implement various internal processes concerning frontier models, (C) synthetic digital content to be detectable as synthetic digital content, (D) the Department of Economic and Community Development to develop and implement a program to bolster artificial intelligence cooperation, (E) the Labor Commissioner to establish an Artificial Intelligence Workforce Research Hub, (F) the Office of Workforce Strategy to develop, implement and promote programs to improve the skills of the state's workforce in relation to artificial intelligence and a plan to create technologist apprenticeships, (G) the Office of Health Strategy to create a program to use artificial intelligence systems to enhance health outcomes for state residents, and (H) the Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Commissioner of Consumer Protection to accept applications for safe harbor programs; (3) provide (A) that certain uses of an automated employment-related decision process constitute an unlawful discriminatory practice, (B) that no artificial intelligence technology shall be used to modify or impair a collective bargaining agreement or the role of a designated employee organization, (C) for the designation of artificial intelligence fellows, and (D) for the inclusion of instruction in topics such as the responsible use of emerging technologies in teacher certification preparation programs; and (4) modify (A) the "computer science education and workforce development account", (B) the Technology Talent and Innovation Fund Advisory Committee, and (C) the economic development strategic plan.
general law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
18 provisions identified: 16 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Safer AI companions for kids
Starting January 1, 2027, covered AI companions must identify themselves when users could mistake them for people. They must use safety steps for messages about suicide, self-harm, or imminent violence, and direct users to mental health resources. For users under 18, operators must prevent specified harmful or manipulative interactions and provide screen-time and account controls. Mental health services must meet extra clinical and disclosure rules.
More notice for automated job decisions
Starting October 1, 2027, workers and job applicants must get plain-language notice when covered employment technology interacts with them, unless that interaction is obvious. Before a decision substantially based on the technology, they must get written details about its purpose, data, and the decision. Developers must give employers information needed to meet their duties, and contracts can assign specific duties to developers. Employers cannot use these tools as a defense to discrimination claims. Only the Attorney General can enforce these rules; for certain curable violations through December 31, 2027, the person has 60 days to fix the problem after notice. When protected information is withheld, the person seeking it must be told why.
Safeguards for state agency AI
Beginning October 1, 2026, state agencies must follow rules set by OPM and DAS before using AI to deliver public assistance or make decisions that materially affect rights, safety, or welfare. Agencies must also complete and post an AI impact assessment at least 60 days before deployment. They cannot buy or acquire AI unless its use follows those rules. Cybersecurity tools, data analytics, and systems where AI is incidental and not determinative are excluded.
New limits on platforms for kids
Starting January 1, 2028, covered platforms generally cannot use personal or device information to choose media for users. For minors, default rules limit recommendation access to one hour a day and restrict notifications, account interactions, and sensitive content. Verified parents or guardians can set controls, and platforms must delete age-check information after the attempt. Platforms cannot raise prices or lower service quality because of these recommendation limits, and violations count as unfair or deceptive practices.
Clearer terms for AI subscriptions
Starting October 1, 2026, AI subscription providers must give Connecticut residents written details about important service limits before they agree or pay. Residents must accept the terms in writing before a new subscription or renewal. Renewal notices must explain new or changed limits.
Screen warnings for young platform users
Beginning January 1, 2028, covered platforms must show the statutory Surgeon General warning to covered users they have not reasonably determined are adults. The first warning each day must cover at least 75% of the screen for 30 seconds. After three hours of use, and each additional hour, it must cover at least 25% of the screen for 10 seconds; users may dismiss these later warnings. Platforms need not show it to users they have reasonably determined are not covered minors.
More access to AI Academy training
The Connecticut AI Academy must be established by December 31, 2026, and offer courses and resources on AI, digital skills, careers, and workforce training. People who complete courses can earn certificates or badges. Starting in 2027, housing providers, home visiting programs, and the Labor Department must share Academy information with residents, families served by home visiting, and people filing unemployment claims. The Treasurer’s Office must try to inform parents or guardians of designated Baby Bond beneficiaries starting October 1, 2026. Some outreach depends on available funds.
More protection for frontier AI workers
Starting October 1, 2026, frontier developers must tell covered employees about their rights and cannot punish them for protected whistleblowing. By January 1, 2027, developers with more than $500 million in combined annual revenue with commonly controlled companies must offer covered employees an anonymous way to report serious safety concerns. They must provide reasonable updates and generally share reports with officers and directors at least quarterly, except with anyone accused in a report. The Attorney General can seek penalties of up to $1,000 per violation of these employee rules.
AI courses for small businesses
Beginning January 1, 2027, and within available appropriations, the Secretary of the State must work with Charter Oak State College to share information about Connecticut AI Academy courses through small-business channels. The information must include courses on using AI to improve marketing and management efficiency.
More review of state AI systems
Starting October 1, 2026, state agencies must assess covered AI before using it and post the assessment at least 60 days before deployment. The state must also publish an annual inventory of agency AI systems, with the first due December 31, 2026. The inventory must include available details about each system, its uses, and known risks. Agencies may remove personal information from public assessments.
Privacy rules for health AI research
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the Comptroller may share relevant data for an AI health competition aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing costs. Data sharing must follow privacy laws, including HIPAA, and deidentification standards. Participants must agree not to identify people, misuse the data, or sell, transfer, or license it. The Comptroller must work within available appropriations.
Source labels for AI-made media
Starting October 1, 2026, publicly available AI systems with more than 1 million monthly users must add hard-to-remove source data to audio, images, or video they create or materially change, when commercially and technically reasonable. Exceptions include business-to-business uses and some video and image tools. Only the Connecticut Attorney General can enforce the rule; there is no private right of action.
State pilot checks AI safety
Starting July 1, 2027, the state must run a pilot to test independent reviews of AI model safety, within available appropriations. The state can approve up to five verification groups, and the pilot ends June 30, 2030. The state must recommend legislation by December 31, 2028, and the University of Connecticut must report results by January 31, 2029.
More computer science in schools
Starting July 1, 2026, Connecticut public schools must include computer science, programming, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in their instruction. Legally qualified teachers must teach the courses. Teacher preparation programs leading to professional certification must also include computer science and classroom technology skills. The law does not set a direct household payment.
Layoff notices identify technology cuts
Starting October 1, 2026, employers that give the Labor Department the specified written layoff notice must say whether artificial intelligence or another technology is related to the layoffs. This reporting rule does not stop layoffs or change workers’ benefit eligibility or payments.
More AI training for workers and businesses
Starting July 1, 2026, the state may support technology talent programs, including AI and quantum computing. By July 1, 2027, the Technology Talent and Innovation Fund Advisory Committee must work with colleges and training providers to develop AI courses, including prompt engineering, AI marketing, and AI for small-business operations. The Office of Higher Education must also work with a college alliance on research events, workforce meetings, student-to-industry connections, and a shared-computing plan. The law adds no specific funding amount, and the college alliance work uses existing appropriations.
More state data for AI research
Starting July 1, 2027, state data officers must review agency data. By January 1, 2028, they must identify and publish suitable data for AI research and economic development. They must use privacy protections and set rules to prevent unlawful discrimination or unequal effects. Data sharing must follow state and federal law.
Limits on AI safety evidence in lawsuits
From July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2030, evidence from the state’s AI verification pilot is allowed only in private injury or property-damage cases involving a risk within the verification’s approved scope. It cannot be used in state or Attorney General enforcement cases. These limits do not apply to people who act willfully, wantonly, or recklessly, materially misstate information, or fail to make required corrections.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
General Law Committee
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Anne M. Hughes
Democratic • House
Anthony L. Nolan
Democratic • House
Bob Duff
Democratic • Senate
Bob Godfrey
Democratic • House
Bobby G. Gibson
Democratic • House
Brandon Chafee
Democratic • House
Catherine A. Osten
Democratic • Senate
Ceci Maher
Democratic • Senate
Christine Cohen
Democratic • Senate
Cristin McCarthy Vahey
Democratic • House
Derek Slap
Democratic • Senate
Dominique Johnson
Democratic • House
Douglas McCrory
Democratic • Senate
Eilish Collins Main
Democratic • House
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
Democratic • House
Gary A. Turco
Democratic • House
Geraldo C. Reyes
Democratic • House
Gregory Haddad
Democratic • House
Hector Arzeno
Democratic • House
Herron Gaston
Democratic • Senate
Hilda E. Santiago
Democratic • House
Hubert D. Delany
Democratic • House
Iris N Sanchez
Democratic • House
Jaime S. Foster
Democratic • House
James J. Maroney
Democratic • Senate
James Sanchez
Democratic • House
Jan Hochadel
Democratic • Senate
Jane M. Garibay
Democratic • House
Jennifer Leeper
Democratic • House
Jillian Gilchrest
Democratic • House
Joan V. Hartley
Democratic • Senate
John-Michael Parker
Democratic • House
Jonathan Jacobson
Democratic • House
Jorge Cabrera
Democratic • Senate
Josh Elliott
Democratic • House
Julie Kushner
Democratic • Senate
Kaitlyn Shake
Democratic • House
Kara Rochelle
Democratic • House
Kate Farrar
Democratic • House
Kenneth Gucker
Democratic • House
Laurie Sweet
Democratic • House
Lucy Dathan
Democratic • House
MD Rahman
Democratic • Senate
Mae Flexer
Democratic • Senate
Marcus Brown
Democratic • House
Martha Marx
Democratic • Senate
Martin M. Looney
Democratic • Senate
Mary Welander
Democratic • House
Maryam Khan
Democratic • House
Matt Blumenthal
Democratic • House
Matthew L. Lesser
Democratic • Senate
Michael "MJ" Shannon
Democratic • House
Michael D. Quinn
Democratic • House
Moira Rader
Democratic • House
Nicholas Menapace
Democratic • House
Nick Gauthier
Democratic • House
Norman Needleman
Democratic • Senate
Patricia Billie Miller
Democratic • Senate
Paul Honig
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca Martinez
Democratic • House
Renee LaMark Muir
Democratic • House
Rick Lopes
Democratic • Senate
Roland J. Lemar
Democratic • House
Saud Anwar
Democratic • Senate
Savet Constantine
Democratic • House
Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox
Democratic • Senate
Tom Delnicki
Republican • House
William Heffernan
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/17/2026
APP Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/10/2026
JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/11/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 128
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/11/2026
GL Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/11/2026
GL Vote Tally Sheet (Vote to Draft)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/11/2026
House Roll Call Vote 176 AS AMENDED
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Bill Text
Public Act No. 26-15
5/11/2026
File No. 338
4/2/2026
APP Joint Favorable
3/16/2026
Committee Bill
3/16/2026
GL Joint Favorable Substitute
3/16/2026
JUD Joint Favorable
3/16/2026
Proposed Bill
2/4/2026
APP Joint Fav. Rpt
APP Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Bill Analysis For File Copy 338
Bill Analysis for SB-5, as amended by Senate "A"
Fiscal Note For File Copy 338
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4063 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4261 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4418 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for SB-5, As Amended by Senate "A" (LCO 4418)
GL Joint Fav. Rpt
GL Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
GL Vote Tally Sheet (Vote to Draft)
House Roll Call Vote 176 AS AMENDED
JUD Joint Fav. Rpt
JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Senate LCO Amendment #4063 (D)
Senate LCO Amendment #4261 (D)
Senate Roll Call Vote 128
Senate Schedule A LCO# 4418 (D)
Summary for Public Act No. 26-15
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