The 2024 legislative session in Connecticut began with hopes of passing a groundbreaking bill to regulate bias in artificial intelligence. However, the bill was ultimately vetoed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont due to concerns about stifling innovation. Despite this setback, lawmakers were able to pass legislation addressing nursing home reforms, regulation of THC-infused beverages, and tightening absentee voting laws. These successful bills represent some of the achievements of the session, alongside updates to the state’s paid sick leave law.
Lawmakers faced challenges in passing other impactful bills, such as those focused on curbing the cost of e-books for libraries, expanding protections for tenants, and prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to children. One reason for the failure of these proposals may be the decision not to reopen the second year of the two-year budget, limiting options for spending. Despite criticism from Republican lawmakers, Democrats defended their decision and highlighted the allocation of remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds to key areas like higher education and children’s mental health.
The decision not to reopen the budget was a point of contention, with Republican lawmakers warning of future deficits resulting from the use of one-time COVID relief funds for operating expenses. House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora criticized Democrats for leaving the hard decisions to the governor. In the final moments of the session, Senate Republicans criticized a bill creating a $3 million fund for low-wage workers, labeling it a “slush fund.” The bill passed with only Democratic votes, with the intention of creating assistance for striking workers.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, the 2024 legislative session in Connecticut saw some successes in passing important legislation. While the AI regulation bill was vetoed, other bills addressing nursing home reforms, THC-infused beverages, and absentee voting laws were approved. Lawmakers also updated the state’s paid sick leave law to include all employers by 2027. However, other significant proposals failed to pass, potentially due to the decision not to reopen the budget and limited options for spending. The session highlighted ongoing debates and disagreements among lawmakers on key issues affecting the state.
