Connecticut passes sweeping AI regulation law SB5
Connecticut SB5 passed both chambers on May 1 and heads to the governor, making it one of the most comprehensive state AI laws in the US.Connecticut SB5 passed 131-17 in the House and 32-4 in the Senate on May 1, with Governor Lamont confirming he will sign the bill.The law covers AI companions, synthetic media transparency, automated employment decision tools, and frontier model developers, with staggered effective dates from October 2026.The law takes effect despite the Trump administrations executive order urging states to avoid burdensome AI regulation, making Connecticut the latest state to defy federal pressure. Connecticut SB5 passed on May 1, becoming one of the broadest state AI laws in the US. The House voted 131-17 in favor and the Senate passed it 32-4, with bipartisan support in both chambers. Governor Ned Lamont confirmed he will sign the bill, which is now formally titled the Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act. The law covers AI companions, automated employment decision tools, synthetic media provenance, and frontier model developers above defined thresholds. First effective date is October 1, 2026. Most provisions become enforceable exclusively by the state Attorney General as unfair or deceptive trade practices, with no private right of action. What the law