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An Act Requiring The Department Of Economic And Community Development To Develop A Plan To Establish An Artificial Intelligence Small Business Program.
In one paragraph
Special Act 26-23 directs Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development to develop a plan for an artificial intelligence small business program. The program would give eligible small businesses financial assistance (grants, loans, loan guarantees or equity) to adopt AI and improve productivity and quality, and foster a competitive environment for developing and deploying AI. The plan must require recipients to train employees to work with AI and prepare workers whose jobs may be displaced for new roles. DECD must report the plan to the legislature's commerce committee by January 1, 2027. The act is a planning study; it does not create the program or fund it.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
No obligations for businesses yet. Connecticut small businesses may see a state AI adoption grant or loan program proposed after DECD's January 2027 report.
Key provisions
- DECD, with other state agencies and public colleges, must develop a plan for an AI small business program (Sec. 1(b))
- The program would provide financial assistance: grants, extensions of credit, loans, loan guarantees, equity investments or other financing
- The plan must include eligibility criteria, an application process and terms for assistance
- Recipients would have to train employees to work with AI and prepare employees whose jobs may be displaced by AI for new roles
- Report to the General Assembly's commerce committee due by January 1, 2027 (Sec. 1(c))
- Effective from passage; approved by the Governor June 2, 2026
Latest legislative action
Jun 2, 2026. Signed by the Governor (Special Act 26-23)
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Commerce Committee | Sponsor | |
| Kenneth Gucker D | Sponsor | HD-138 |
| Kerry Szeps Wood D | Sponsor | HD-029 |
| Savet Constantine D | Sponsor | HD-042 |
Roll call votes
H House Roll Call Vote 265 AS AMENDED May 5, 2026
150 yea0 nay1 otherPassed
S Senate Roll Call Vote 158 Apr 28, 2026
36 yea0 nayPassed
J CE Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable) Mar 24, 2026
20 yea0 nayPassed
Amendments (4)
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Senate LCO Amendment #4390 (J) Not adopted 2026-04-21
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Senate LCO Amendment #4447 (J) Not adopted 2026-04-21
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Senate LCO Amendment #4459 (J) Not adopted 2026-04-22
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Senate Schedule A LCO# 4459 (J) Not adopted 2026-04-22
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error