Technology

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 480: AN ACT CONCERNING PREVENTING FRAUD IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND EXPRESSLY EXTENDING FRAUD AND CORRUPTION PENALTIES TO PUBLIC SERVANTS.

This bill requires the Connecticut Commissioner of Social Services to upgrade electronic benefit transfer cards with security chip technology to help prevent fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other state benefit programs by July 1, 2026. The legislation also expands the definition of "public servant" to include unpaid advisors and consultants performing governmental functions, ensuring they are covered under state fraud and corruption laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies legal definitions for terms like "knowingly," "claim," and "material" in fraud-related statutes to improve consistency in how these offenses are prosecuted. A report on the implementation and effectiveness of the new security measures must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates security chip technology upgrades for electronic benefit transfer cards to prevent fraud, enhancing cybersecurity and data protection in state benefit programs.75% confidence

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signed · Connecticut · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 439: AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE DEVICES AND SYSTEMS AND SELF-SERVICE KIOSKS IN EMPLOYEE LOUNGES.

This bill prohibits employers from using electronic surveillance devices like audio recorders or closed-circuit cameras in employee areas designed for comfort or safety, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and lounges. It creates a specific exception allowing third-party vendors to operate surveillance at self-service kiosks in these areas, provided the cameras do not record sound and only monitor the checkout area and product display zones. The bill also restricts employers from requesting access to this video footage except when a theft is reported by the vendor, and it establishes fines and potential jail time for violations of these rules.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects employee privacy in restrooms, locker rooms, and lounges by restricting surveillance, strengthening workers' rights and dignity.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects employee privacy by restricting surveillance in private areas, aligning with data privacy and digital rights protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 435: AN ACT CONCERNING AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES.

This bill requires employers in Connecticut to inform job applicants and employees when automated systems are used to make employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, or performance evaluations. Companies deploying these systems must disclose what personal data is being collected, how long it will be kept, who will access it, and provide options for applicants to opt out of data processing. The law also mandates that employees receive written notice before any employment decision is made, explaining the purpose of the automated system and the nature of the decision being made. Developers of these systems must provide necessary information to employers to ensure compliance, unless they have a contract assuming those responsibilities. The protections apply to various automated processes including resume screening, online interview analysis, and predictive assessments used in workplace decisions.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects employee rights by requiring transparency about automated decision systems used in hiring and employment decisions, enhancing workplace fairness and worker protections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects employee data privacy by requiring disclosure of automated decision systems and opt-out options, strengthening digital rights protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 5449: AN ACT CONCERNING AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER SYSTEMS.

This bill restricts how Connecticut public agencies and law enforcement can use automated license plate reader systems starting October 1, 2026. It limits their use to specific purposes like weighing station operations, vehicle maintenance, and comparing plates against criminal or missing person databases, while requiring most collected data to be deleted within seven days. The legislation also prohibits using this technology to monitor individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, gender identity, or immigration status, and bans collecting data near reproductive health facilities or immigrant-serving organizations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts automated license plate reader use, protects civil rights, and enhances police accountability by limiting surveillance based on protected characteristics.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill restricts automated license plate reader use to protect privacy and limit surveillance based on protected characteristics, aligning with data privacy and digital rights protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 5548: AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CONCERNING EMPLOYEE RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES AND CERTAIN HIGHER EDUCATION RECORDS.

This bill amends Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act to protect the residential addresses of specific public employees, including judges, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and social workers, from being disclosed in public records. It requires agencies to redact these addresses from released documents and lists when individuals in these roles submit a written request for privacy and provide a business or office address instead. The law also extends similar protections to municipal election officials, with special timing rules that apply before and after elections. While business addresses and office locations remain publicly accessible, the residential addresses of covered personnel can no longer be shared through FOIA requests once they have opted for confidentiality.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects residential addresses of law enforcement officers and judges, enhancing privacy and safety for criminal justice personnel.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for public employees by limiting disclosure of residential addresses, aligning with digital rights and privacy principles.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 5530: AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF ABSENTEE BALLOT ACCESS IN UNCONSOLIDATED CITIES AND BOROUGHS WITHIN A TOWN.

This bill establishes a task force to study whether voters in unconsolidated cities and boroughs within towns can apply for absentee ballots through the Secretary of the State's online system. The task force will examine the feasibility and obstacles to implementing this change for elections, primaries, and referendums held in those specific jurisdictions. The group will include representatives from both legislative chambers, local election officials, and experts in voting technology, with a deadline to submit findings by January 1, 2027. This measure does not change current voting rules but instead creates a committee to investigate potential improvements to absentee ballot access in these areas.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes task force to study expanding online absentee ballot access, directly addressing technology's role in voting accessibility and digital rights.75% confidence

Tags Elections

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5438: AN ACT CONCERNING EVIDENCE CONSIDERED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A RESTRAINING ORDER OR CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER.

This bill modifies Connecticut's laws regarding restraining orders and civil protection orders by updating the types of evidence courts can consider and expanding the protections available to victims. It allows applicants and respondents to present digital evidence like electronic communications, call logs, and voicemail recordings to prove or disclaim patterns of harassment. The legislation also introduces new order provisions that can prevent a respondent from cutting off utilities, changing insurance policies, or disposing of property, while requiring courts to verify a respondent's ability to pay before ordering financial support. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of stalking as two or more threatening acts that cause reasonable fear for physical safety and establishes a 14-day hearing requirement for certain abuse-related applications. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for courts and more comprehensive protection options for individuals seeking relief from harassment or abuse.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands digital evidence acceptance in restraining orders, protecting victims by enabling use of electronic communications and call logs as proof of harassment.85% confidence

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 415: AN ACT CONCERNING TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES AND RIDER SAFETY.

This bill strengthens safety protections for passengers and drivers of ride-sharing services by updating definitions of sexual misconduct and requiring new safety features. It mandates that companies provide real-time messaging between drivers and riders, offer gender preference options, display driver photos and license plates before rides, and require visible vehicle decals. The legislation also introduces automated monitoring systems to detect safety incidents, requires audio recording options for riders, and establishes stricter background checks for drivers including criminal history and sexual offender registry searches. These changes take effect on October 1, 2026, and apply to all transportation network companies operating in the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances passenger and driver safety through accountability measures like real-time messaging, gender preferences, and incident monitoring, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety protections for ride-sharing drivers through enhanced safety features, real-time messaging, and automated monitoring systems, directly supporting labor and employment standards.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates safety features like real-time messaging, audio recording, and automated monitoring systems, enhancing consumer protection through technology implementation.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens safety protections for ride-sharing services by enhancing passenger and driver safety features, which supports transportation safety.90% confidence

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 506: AN ACT CONCERNING CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR INTENTIONAL DAMAGE TO CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

This bill updates Connecticut's criminal penalties for intentionally damaging critical infrastructure and public safety systems. It directly affects individuals who damage utilities, transportation systems, communication networks, emergency services, or state-owned safety equipment. The law creates two new felony and misdemeanor offenses that apply when someone damages these systems with intent to cause harm or create a risk of service interruption, regardless of whether the damage causes actual disruption. Key provisions include increasing penalties for damaging electronic monitoring equipment, fire alarm systems, emergency dispatch systems, and fire suppression equipment, while also raising the monetary threshold for criminal mischief to $1,500 for state property and $250 for municipal property. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal penalties for damaging critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety and protecting essential services through stricter enforcement.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects critical energy infrastructure from intentional damage, strengthening utility systems and public safety.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens cybersecurity by enhancing penalties for damaging critical infrastructure and communication networks, protecting technology systems from malicious damage.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens penalties for damaging transportation systems, enhancing protection of critical transportation infrastructure and public safety.85% confidence

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5473: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SATISFACTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS QUALITY OF SERVICE STANDARDS AND SETTLEMENTS IN CONTESTED PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

This bill updates definitions and procedures for how the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority monitors telecommunications service quality. It clarifies terms like "facilities-based carrier" and "competitive service" to ensure consistent language when regulating different types of telecom providers. The authority must adopt and enforce quality-of-service standards covering customer complaints, service outages, and installation timeliness for all telecom and VoIP providers using state infrastructure. The law also requires the authority to include input from telecom employees, including union members, when developing monitoring methods. These changes take effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens telecom service quality standards and consumer protections, ensuring consistent regulation of providers and addressing outages and complaints.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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