Technology

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 5338: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR PURPOSES OF THE FEDERAL LIFELINE SERVICE BENEFITS.

HB 5338 clarifies Connecticut's process for designating which telecommunications service providers can offer federal Lifeline benefits to eligible low-income households, individuals with disabilities (including those hard of hearing or speech impaired), and people in rural areas. It requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to determine which providers qualify to participate in the program and which customers meet eligibility criteria, based on factors like provider revenue in Connecticut. The bill ensures funding for Lifeline services - covering basic phone and internet access - comes from a fair share of telecommunications providers' gross revenues generated within the state. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, streamlining how Connecticut administers the federal program without altering benefit levels or eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyClarifies process to expand Lifeline benefits, increasing internet access for low-income and rural residents, supporting digital equity and connectivity.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 5014: AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPRENTICESHIP TAX CREDIT.

HB 5014 creates a tax credit for businesses that sponsor apprenticeships in information technology. It allows taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability by a credit for qualified IT apprenticeship programs. The credit applies to apprenticeships started under approved training programs, directly benefiting employers who hire and train IT apprentices. This policy change provides a financial incentive for companies to develop workforce pipelines in technology fields without altering existing tax rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit for businesses, providing tax relief to incentivize IT apprenticeships, directly aligning with tax policy support indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates tax credit for IT apprenticeships, incentivizing employer training programs to develop skilled workforce, advancing occupational training within labor policy.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates tax credit for IT apprenticeships, directly funding workforce development in technology fields through financial incentives for employers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Tax Incentives Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 117: AN ACT CONCERNING BREACHES OF SECURITY INVOLVING ELECTRONIC PERSONAL INFORMATION.

SB 117 requires companies holding Connecticut residents' electronic personal information to notify affected individuals within 60 days of discovering a security breach involving unencrypted data. It defines "personal information" broadly to include Social Security numbers, financial data, health records, and biometric details, and sets a "massive breach" threshold of 100,000 affected residents. Companies must also report breaches to the Attorney General and provide free identity theft prevention services (including credit freezes) for two years to affected residents. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, with limited exceptions for ongoing criminal investigations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates breach notifications for unencrypted data, expands personal information definition, and requires identity theft prevention - strengthening data privacy protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 5059: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT FOR PASS-THROUGH ENTITIES.

HB 5059 creates a 6% tax credit against personal income tax for pass-through entities (such as S-corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships) that incur research and development expenses. The credit directly applies to business owners who pay personal income tax, reducing their tax liability by 6% of qualifying R&D costs. Key provisions require businesses to pay or incur eligible R&D expenses during a taxable year to claim the credit. This policy change lowers the tax burden for small businesses and entrepreneurs investing in innovation, without altering tax rates or creating new regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 6% tax credit for small business R&D expenses, reducing tax liability for pass-through entities (aligned with tax relief for middle-income business owners)90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyTax credit for R&D expenses directly incentivizes technology innovation and development, aligning with funding/support indicators for tech advancement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Tax Incentives

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5149: AN ACT CONCERNING PHONE-FREE SCHOOLS.

HB 5149, effective July 1, 2026, prohibits students in Connecticut public schools (grades K-12) from possessing or using personal mobile electronic devices (like cell phones, tablets, or laptops) during the regular school day, except for students requiring device use for an individualized education program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. School boards must create policies covering device storage, discipline for violations, and exceptions for special needs accommodations. The bill also prohibits school districts from using social media as the sole method to communicate with families about school matters. This directly affects all K-12 public school students and school districts across Connecticut.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits student use of personal devices (phones, tablets) in schools, directly restricting technology access during instructional time.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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signed · Connecticut · House May 26, 2026

HB 5312: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CIVIL ACTION FOR THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION FOR VICTIMS OF UNLAWFUL DISSEMINATION OF A SYNTHETICALLY CREATED INTIMATE IMAGE.

HB 5312 establishes a private right for victims and a civil action for Connecticut's Attorney General to address unlawful sharing of synthetically created intimate images (like deepfakes). Victims can sue in Superior Court for damages, emotional distress, and attorney fees, while the Attorney General can pursue civil penalties up to $50,000 per day against online platforms that fail to remove such content after knowing it violates the law. The law specifically protects minors under 18, even if the image is synthetic, and applies to platforms like social media or apps that host user-generated content. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and complements existing legal remedies without limiting other rights.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates tech platforms for deepfake misuse, protecting user privacy and data through civil remedies and platform accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Feb 4, 2026

SB 51: AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT EXCHANGE RATE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANIES.

SB 51 increases the research and development (R&D) tax credit exchange rate to 100% specifically for biotechnology companies in Connecticut. This change directly affects biotech firms by allowing them to claim the full value of eligible R&D expenses as a tax credit against state tax liability. The bill amends Section 12-217ee of the general statutes to implement this rate increase, replacing any previous lower credit rate for this industry. The policy change provides a concrete financial incentive to support biotech research and development activities within the state.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credit rate for biotech, reducing state revenue. Creates targeted corporate tax break, aligning with 'oppose' indicator of tax breaks for specific industries.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill provides 100% R&D tax credit for biotech R&D, directly funding and strengthening biotechnology sector through tax incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 86: AN ACT ADDRESSING INNOVATIONS IN AND THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

SB 86 establishes data governance structures for Connecticut's executive branch agencies to improve data management and transparency. It requires each agency to appoint an "agency data officer" and creates a state "Chief Data Officer" to develop a biennial data plan, standardize data practices, and create an online open data repository. The bill mandates agencies to inventory high-value public data and publish open data (after privacy safeguards), with a specific provision (section j) directing the Chief Data Officer to identify data suitable for AI systems by 2028, while ensuring policies prevent discrimination. The law focuses on data infrastructure and access - not regulating AI technology or developers - and takes effect July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates privacy safeguards for open data, standardizes data practices, and establishes governance structures to improve transparency and responsible data management under AI framework.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

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in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 20, 2026

HB 5262: AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN ELECTRONIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURERS, THE STATE INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT BOARD'S RESERVE FUNDING, REVIEW OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE GLASS REPAIR NATIONAL MODEL, AND THE OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY'S REPORTING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG FORMULARIES.

HB 5262 allows property and casualty insurers to provide policies and changes electronically instead of by mail, but only with the insured's agreement and if no personal information is included. Insurers must offer a paper copy option upon request, keep electronic records for five years after policy expiration, and clearly inform customers about their electronic delivery choices and paper copy access. This directly affects insurers and policyholders in Connecticut, shifting notice delivery methods while maintaining consumer choice. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and includes specific requirements for online accessibility and record retention. (Other provisions mentioned in the title, like reserve funding and drug reporting, are not detailed in the provided bill text.)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires consent for e-notices, prohibits personal data in electronic delivery, mandates paper option - strengthens data privacy protections for consumers using technology.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Feb 4, 2026

SB 62: AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT AND EXTENSION OF HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.

SB 62 authorizes the state to issue bonds up to a specified amount to fund high-speed broadband improvements in rural areas. The proceeds will be distributed as grants by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to enhance and extend broadband internet and cellular service access. This bill directly affects rural communities by targeting funding to address connectivity gaps in underserved areas. It creates a mechanism for state financial support through bond issuance, with no specific dollar amount listed in the proposed text. The policy change focuses on expanding infrastructure access, not on regulatory or tax measures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes state bond issuance to fund rural broadband infrastructure, constituting government spending for public service expansion under budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAuthorizes state bonds to fund rural broadband expansion, directly advancing internet access in underserved areas per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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