The 2024 Connecticut legislative session concluded with a mix of successes and failures, including a stalled AI bias legislation due to a veto threat from Gov. Ned Lamont. While achievements in nursing home reforms and voting law reforms were noted, other high-priority bills on climate change and abortion rights did not pass. Tensions arose over proposed amendments, with some bills criticized for not going far enough, and decisions to focus on distributing federal COVID-19 funds drew criticism from Republicans.
Connecticut lawmakers began the 2024 legislative session with aspirations to pass significant legislation aimed at reducing bias in artificial intelligence. Despite this ambition, a veto threat from Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, concerned that such legislation might hinder innovation, ultimately stalled the bill as the session concluded.
The AI legislation was one of several high-priority bills under consideration, including measures on climate change and abortion rights, all of which failed as the session ended at midnight. However, achievements included nursing home reforms and a bill addressing THC-infused beverages’ sale restrictions to individuals under 21, limiting sales to package stores or cannabis dispensaries.
Additionally, the Senate approved absentee voting law reforms, mandating surveillance at ballot drop boxes and secure tracking of ballots. Republican Sen. Rob Sampson criticized the bill for not going far enough, as stronger proposed amendments, including voter ID requirements, were defeated.
Another notable success was the Democratic-led bill updating Connecticut’s paid sick leave law to require all employers to provide time off by 2027, awaiting Gov. Lamont’s signature. House Speaker Matt Ritter acknowledged that some major bills didn’t advance due to time constraints.
Other high-profile proposals that failed included efforts to curb e-book costs for libraries, expand tenant protections, and extend the HUSKY health insurance program to older immigrants. A decision not to reopen the biennial budget, focusing instead on distributing $360 million in federal COVID-19 funds, was met with Republican criticism, predicting future deficits. Additionally, a bill creating a $3 million fund for low-wage workers, described as a “slush fund” by Republicans, passed the Senate with Democratic support.
