Substitute Bill No. 1484 seeks to enhance employee protections concerning electronic monitoring and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. It repeals and replaces Section 31-48d of the general statutes, introducing definitions for "employer," "employee," and "electronic monitoring." The bill allows electronic monitoring only for specific purposes, such as ensuring quality and compliance, while mandating that it be minimally invasive and secure. It prohibits employers from using monitoring to threaten safety, collect sensitive information, or punish lawful employee activities, and bars the requirement for employees to wear tracking devices or install monitoring apps on personal devices. Additionally, the bill addresses algorithmic discrimination, requiring employers to notify employees about monitoring practices and granting the Labor Commissioner authority to impose civil penalties for violations.

The bill also establishes regulations for high-risk AI systems, requiring employers to conduct impact assessments with an impartial third party before deployment. These assessments must evaluate various factors, including potential risks of algorithmic discrimination and impacts on employee rights. Starting October 1, 2026, employers must inform employees when high-risk AI systems are used for consequential decisions, providing details about the system's purpose and data practices. Employees will have the right to appeal decisions based on inaccurate data and must be protected from retaliation for refusing to comply with potentially discriminatory AI-generated decisions. Furthermore, state agencies are restricted from using high-risk AI systems affecting public assistance without legal authorization, and the bill amends existing statutes to safeguard employees' rights to organize and bargain collectively, including discussions about AI's role in employment conditions. The effective date for these provisions is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-48d
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-48d
File No. 546: 31-48d
JUD Joint Favorable: 31-48d