Technology in Connecticut

signed · Connecticut · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 5222: AN ACT CONCERNING CONSUMER PROTECTION, CANNABIS, DATA PRIVACY, FIRE INSPECTIONS, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

HB 5222 clarifies and strengthens the Department of Consumer Protection's authority to investigate and enforce consumer protection laws. It specifically amends statutes to explicitly grant the Department and its board the power to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, compel testimony, and request documents during investigations. The bill also establishes immunity for staff acting in good faith and requires the state to cover legal costs for such actions. Additionally, it details enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to issue orders to stop violations and impose civil penalties up to $50,000 for violations of consumer protection statutes. The bill does not affect professional licensing fees or architecture regulations, which appear to be misplaced in the text.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 5475: AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF PERMITTING PROCESSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

This bill directs the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to evaluate ways to improve the state's permitting process by January 1, 2027. The commissioner must assess using artificial intelligence for preliminary reviews, explore automated tools for businesses and municipalities, and consider creating expedited review options with higher fees for certain permits. The report will also examine whether permit renewals without changes could be automated and have reduced fees. All findings and recommendations for new laws must be submitted to the General Assembly's relevant committees.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

signed · Connecticut · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 483: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CRIME OF DIGITAL DEFRAUDING.

This bill establishes a new crime called digital forgery, which applies to anyone who creates and shares fake images or audio recordings of people with the intent to cause financial harm. The law defines a digitally forged likeness as content that looks or sounds real but was created using computer systems without the person's consent. It makes this a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether the act was part of a larger scheme, but it exempts law enforcement officers acting in their official duties. The bill also protects online platforms from liability unless they knew the content was being created or shared illegally.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

signed · Connecticut · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 417: AN ACT REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO ESTABLISH AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM.

This bill requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to create a plan for an artificial intelligence small business program. The program aims to help small businesses adopt AI technology to improve productivity and product or service quality while fostering a competitive environment for AI development. The department must submit a report on the plan by January 1, 2027, including recommendations for any additional laws needed to implement it. The bill defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions affecting real or virtual environments.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Tags Small Business

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5465: AN ACT CONCERNING THE TOWING AND STORAGE OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

This bill creates a public online portal where vehicle owners can track the location and status of their towed or impounded cars without needing to create an account. It requires towing companies and storage facilities to electronically submit detailed information about each towed vehicle, including vehicle details, tow location, fees, and redemption hours, within two hours of the vehicle arriving at storage. The legislation also establishes a standardized schedule of rates for police-ordered towing services, covering different vehicle types and specialized equipment like winching, with a future surcharge for electric vehicles starting in 2029. These changes aim to increase transparency in vehicle impoundment and standardize costs for law enforcement-ordered towing services.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Digital Government

signed · Connecticut · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 472: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE OF EMPLOYEES.

This bill requires employers to notify employees in advance about electronic monitoring activities, such as camera use or computer tracking, and to post clear notices in visible locations. It defines electronic monitoring as data collection through technology like cameras or computers, excluding security cameras in public areas and legally prohibited surveillance. Employers must provide written notice before monitoring begins, except when investigating suspected illegal activity, workplace violations, or hostile environments. The law also establishes civil penalties ranging from $500 to $3,000 for repeated violations of the notification requirements.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

signed · Connecticut · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 5491: AN ACT CONCERNING CENTRALIZATION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION.

This bill requires the Labor Commissioner to establish a centralized online resource for workforce development information by January 1, 2027. The new web page will serve as a repository containing job training details, career counseling resources, and links to relevant organizations and regional partnerships. The Labor Commissioner must update the site quarterly by soliciting information from reputable providers. This change primarily affects job seekers, employers, and workforce development agencies by consolidating scattered resources into one accessible location.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 403: AN ACT CONCERNING CYBERSECURITY.

This bill establishes new cybersecurity requirements for businesses, healthcare organizations, and government contractors in Connecticut that handle sensitive data or operate critical infrastructure. It mandates compliance with federal cybersecurity frameworks, requires incident reporting within 72 hours, and prohibits retaliation against employees who report security issues. The legislation also creates a state cybersecurity grant program, establishes a bug bounty system for security researchers, and requires entities to prepare for future quantum computing threats by 2028.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5452: AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL PARTICIPATION IN THE CONNECTICUT LAND MOBILE RADIO NETWORK AND RELATED COSTS.

This bill requires the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to cover all lifecycle costs for municipalities participating in the state-wide Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network, which provides interoperable radio communications for public safety agencies. Lifecycle costs include expenses for software and hardware needed to keep municipal systems compatible and functional within the network. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection must also create a plan to encourage more municipalities to join the network and submit it to the Public Safety and Security Committee by January 1, 2027. This plan will assess current participation, identify infrastructure needs, and explore opportunities for regional coordination and cost reduction. The change shifts financial responsibility from individual municipalities to the state, with estimated annual costs of at least $1.3 million starting in fiscal year 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

Tags Public Safety

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 5552: AN ACT CONCERNING REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE CONTRACTS CONCERNING AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER INFORMATION.

This bill establishes new rules for contracts between Connecticut public agencies and companies that operate automated license plate readers, effective October 1, 2026. It requires these contracts to prohibit vendors from selling, sharing, or storing license plate data outside the state without specific written permission, and mandates that vendors agree to Connecticut law and local courts for any legal disputes. The bill also classifies license plate information as confidential, limiting public access except for vehicle owners or non-identifying data used for auditing. These provisions aim to control how private companies handle vehicle data collected by law enforcement and traffic monitoring systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

All technology bills