Connecticut Sets AI Standards following ChatGPT’s Emergence
Connecticut has entered the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by passing a bill that sets its standards for AI tool use. The bill earned unanimous passage in the Senate, making Connecticut one of the first states to establish AI regulations. The legislation resulted from the efforts of a working group headed by Democrat Senator James Maroney, whose focus shifted to AI after the emergence of the ChatGPT AI tool, created by Open AI of San Francisco.
ChatGPT, as described by MIT Technology Review, became mainstream almost overnight, attracting over 100 million users in two months. Microsoft and Google are currently using it in their office software and search engine. Under Senate Bill 1103, Connecticut will create an inventory of all AI tools used by state agencies and establish policies and procedures for the “development, procurement, implementation, utilization, and ongoing assessment” of AI systems.
Additionally, Senate Bill 1103 will create a permanent working group, consisting of AI-using and developing companies, technology and public policy experts, and members of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. The group will develop an AI bill of rights and recommend best practices for the ethical use of AI by the state government and the private sector.
The ACLU Connecticut supported the bill and submitted written public testimony. Its counsel, Jess Zaccagnino, stated that AI and algorithms have the potential to perpetuate racial bias and inequity, which will deeply affect the interaction of people with the government. Last year, the state enacted a data privacy law through negotiations with industry groups initially opposed to an evolving state-by-state approach.
Connecticut’s goal is to regulate AI, not stop its development or use. The insurance, commercial research, and healthcare industries will likely adopt AI tools to manage, analyze, and utilize vast amounts of data. Connecticut can be a pioneer in this area, given its excellent hospitals and insurance industry. The bill has the support of the Lamont administration and currently awaits approval from the House.
