AI Policy Radar

    Connecticut SB 5

    The broadest state AI statute enacted to date and the first to combine consumer, employment and frontier-safety duties in one act. It gives the US state landscape a third template alongside Colorado's duty-of-care model and Texas's intent-based prohibitions.

    What it is

    Connecticut's omnibus AI and online safety law, signed 27 May 2026 and applying from 1 October 2026. It sets disclosure duties for AI subscriptions and AI companions, rules for automated employment-related decisions, whistleblower protection for frontier-developer employees, and creates an Artificial Intelligence Policy Office and Policy Director.

    Who is affected

    Providers of consumer AI services, employers using automated decision processes, and frontier developers with Connecticut employees

    Key obligations

    • Written disclosure and acceptance of key terms before AI subscriptions are entered or renewed
    • Duties for AI companions and for automated employment-related decision processes
    • Whistleblower protections for frontier-developer employees; state AI Policy Office and Policy Director

    Compliance dates

    1 October 2026

    Connecticut SB 5 obligations start applying

    Public Act 26-15 applies from this date: AI subscription disclosures, AI companion duties, automated employment-decision requirements and frontier-developer whistleblower protections.

    Recent signals

    • 1 October 2026

      Connecticut's AI and online safety law takes effect

      Public Act 26-15 and companion privacy amendments took effect, covering AI chatbot disclosures, facial recognition and surveillance pricing.

    • 30 September 2026

      California enacts SB 574 on lawyers' and arbitrators' use of generative AI

      The first state statute on attorney AI use. It bars delegating the practice of law to generative AI and requires lawyers to verify citations and disclose AI use in court filings. Arbitrators may not delegate decisions to AI. It takes effect 1 January 2027.

    • 21 September 2026

      New York sets frontier developer registration for November

      Governor Hochul announced that frontier AI developers must register with the state from November 2026 under the RAISE Act, with full duties from January 2027.

    • 9 September 2026

      California signs SB 813 and AB 1405 on independent AI verification

      Governor Newsom signed the first US laws creating accredited AI verification organisations and standards for AI auditors, calling on the federal government to follow.

    Related instruments

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