Substitute Senate Bill No. 1249 aims to improve data management and utilization within Connecticut's executive branch, particularly concerning artificial intelligence (AI) innovations. The bill establishes a Chief Data Officer within the Office of Policy and Management, who will oversee data management, facilitate data sharing, and create a state data plan every two years. Each agency must appoint an agency data officer to implement these provisions and respond to data requests. The bill mandates annual inventories of high-value data and the development of open data access plans, while also introducing a requirement for the Chief Data Officer to review this inventory by January 1, 2026, to identify data suitable for AI applications. It repeals the previous Section 4-67p and replaces it with updated language, including new subsections and the deletion of outdated references.

Additionally, the bill establishes an AI regulatory sandbox program to be developed by the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development by July 1, 2025, allowing for the testing of innovative AI products under reduced regulatory requirements. It introduces definitions for "artificial intelligence system" and "generative artificial intelligence system," clarifying that AI cannot be used as a defense in civil or administrative claims, particularly in discrimination cases. The bill also creates the "Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology Investment Fund," managed by Connecticut Innovations, Inc., which can invest up to $50 million in companies developing AI or quantum technologies. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with specific provisions regarding the defense prohibition becoming effective on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 4-67p
GL Joint Favorable: 4-67p
File No. 606: 4-67p