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Earlier this week, the Governor signed legislation on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which I was proud to co-sponsor. The issues and questions we are all facing related to AI are exciting, concerning, confusing, and so much more.
Everyone from Pope Leo to investors, educators, healthcare leaders, and regular citizens are talking about the ways AI is influencing our present and our future.
Below, you will find information on the legislation we passed this year, a start on addressing the myriad issues along with opportunities we face as a result of AI. You can also read more here.
Many of you are probably like me, just beginning to learn more about AI. I’ll highlight one step we took on AI this year which was to create the Connecticut AI Academy, available free to all Connecticut residents. These 5 to 6 week courses can be accessed here.
You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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This year, the legislature passed two bills related to responsible use of artificial intelligence in Connecticut.
The first is Senate Bill 5: An Act Concerning Online Safety, AKA the C.A.R.T. Act.
The C.A.R.T. Act creates clear standards for powerful AI systems, while preparing Connecticut's residents, workers, students, small businesses, public agencies, and institutions for an AI-driven economy.
AI is already affecting our economy, workplaces, online platforms, and the information Connecticut residents encounter every day. Senate Bill 5 responds to the new reality of AI through targeted protections, transparency for consumers, and system accountability.
This legislation targets areas where AI is making a meaningful impact on residents' lives, including employment-related automated decision tools, consumer disclosures, synthetic media provenance, youth online safety, and workforce preparation.
Connecticut residents are already being impacted by AI systems. It is our state's responsibility to take action to set clear expectations to keep residents protected from harmful AI practices.
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The second bill, Senate Bill 4: An Act Concerning Consumer Privacy and Protection, will safeguard Connecticut residents’ personal information from exploitation by data brokers, surveillance technology companies, and federal agencies.
This bill makes it easier to exercise your right to delete your data from data brokers and people tracking websites and prevents predatory surveillance pricing. As technology evolves, our laws must evolve with it. Senate Bill 4 takes critical action to strengthen privacy protections, promote transparency, and ensure Connecticut consumers are treated fairly.
Senate Bill 4 will target the following specific threats to consumer privacy:
- Data brokers: Consumers may request, at no cost, the deletion of any personal data collected by a data broker.
- Dynamic pricing: Strict disclosure requirements apply when businesses use algorithmic pricing to increase prices.
- Geolocation data: Controllers and processors are banned from selling or sharing precise geolocation data.
- Genetic Testing: Consumers would have the right to their own genetic data when using direct to consumer genetic testing services and create more transparency in their policies.
- Volume of Ads: Streaming platforms cannot transmit the audio of any commercial advertisement at a volume that is louder than the volume established by the Federal Communications Commission for television commercials.
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I hope you'll join and fellow Fairfield Representatives Jenn Leeper and Sarah Keitt for a Policy and Pints event on Monday, June 15 from 7:30-9pm at Elicit Brewing Co. - Fairfield (111 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield).
We will tell you about the work we accomplished in the 2026 session, our priorities for next session, and most importantly, your priorities. I look forward to seeing you there! |
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| Now that the legislative session is over, I continue to meet with community leaders, participate in events, and, yes, prepare for legislation for 2027. Below are some of the things I have been up to this past week. |
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| June is Pride month and I joined both the City of Bridgeport and Town of Fairfield for official Pride flag raising events. Fairfield celebrated with an Open Hearts Festival and Greater Bridgeport will host Pride in the Park on June 20th. |
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A number of Fairfield leaders joined the team from the Housing Collective to take a look at a multi-use development in downtown Darien. My goal was to learn about what they are doing there and how the developer worked with the community leaders and residents to execute their vision of a vibrant community center and economic engine for their downtown.
The project includes housing, office space, and retail. A short walk away from their train station is sure to be a destination for many Fairfield County residents upon completion. |
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| The Bridgeport delegation gathered with 50-100 community members to update residents about what we had done during the session and take questions from the community. The additional $25 million to the city for education in this year’s state budget was an important step, but conversation remained focused on longer term changes to the Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) formula. |
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Fairfield’s new youth services social worker, Emily Larkin, presented the results of the needs assessment she conducted to agencies, town staff and elected leaders, school personnel and more.
Of the key themes emerging across Fairfield, financial stress and basic needs were first on the list along with social media and device impact, parent overwhelm, youth mental health, and the need for safe and welcoming spaces outside of home or school.
I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Emily, fellow elected leaders, and all who were present. |
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| Representative Leeper and I were able to honor and congratulate Eagle Scouts Ben Gedacht, Vaden Thakker, Jack Anahory, and Liam Cooney on behalf of town and state leadership. It was a treat to celebrate them and to thank their amazing parents and troop leaders who helped them achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. |
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| Last weekend, RTM Representative Rob Blanchard and I joined Barnum Festival Ringmaster Tom McCarthy and area leaders, including Congressman Himes, Mayor Ganim, City Council President Herron, and Mayors Tesoro and Lauretti, to support the Barnum Festival’s biggest fundraiser. The festival events, ending in early summer, are designed “to build community spirit, foster philanthropy, and celebrate the many diverse cultures represented by residents.” You can find out more about Festival events, including the parade, here. |
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As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.
Take care,
Cristin McCarthy Vahey
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