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Connecticut moved closer to becoming the first state to enact comprehensive regulations governing the private sector’s use of AI. And in Arizona, lawmakers took a major step toward repealing the state’s newly reinstated 1864 ban on most abortions.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Connecticut Senate approved a wide-ranging measure that seeks to combat potential algorithmic bias in artificial intelligence systems, restrict AI-made deepfakes, and limit the technology’s affect on labor. IBM and Microsoft are among tech companies supporting the bill, though some industry groups oppose it, particularly provisions targeting potential discrimination caused by AI employment tools. The measure now heads to the state House, as legislators attempt to clear it before the session ends May 8. (Bloomberg Government)
In Colorado, lawmakers gave final approval to a measure that would require political candidates to disclose campaign ads that feature AI-generated content. (Colorado Newsline)
HEALTH
The Arizona House narrowly voted to repeal a Civil War-era abortion law, with three GOP lawmakers joining all Democrats to pass it. The state Senate began working on an identical repeal bill last week and could bring it up for a vote next Wednesday. Democratic lawmakers have sought to repeal the abortion ban after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled April 9 that the state must adhere to the law. (Arizona Republic) The House’s action underscores how central the issue of abortion has become to the 2024 campaign in Arizona, a swing state that has absorbed an influx of independent voters. (Bloomberg Government)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) rolled out a proposal that would let Arizona abortion providers quickly obtain licenses to work in California to provide legally protected reproductive care to their Arizona patients. (Bloomberg Government)
Also in California, the state’s Health Care Affordability Board approved a new rule that will bar doctors, hospitals, and health insurers from increasing prices by more than 3% annually, starting in 2029. (Associated Press)
LABOR
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a bill that will require businesses to include a pay range in job postings, joining Colorado, California, and several other states that have such laws. (Bloomberg Government)
The Connecticut House approved a bill that would expand the state’s sick leave law to apply to any business with at least one employee. The Senate is expected to pass the measure. (Associated Press)
BUDGET & TAX
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) vetoed a measure that would gradually cut $1.5 billion in taxes, but Republican leaders in the House vowed to override the governor. The measure overwhelmingly cleared both GOP-controlled legislative chambers. (Bloomberg Government)
South Carolina senators voted to pass a wide-ranging budget that includes provisions targeting the LGBTQ+ community and universities that try to change conferences. (Associated Press)
COLLEGE SPORTS
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) sued the Atlantic Coast Conference in a bid to learn more about how much money Florida State University lost out on in ESPN cash when its undefeated football team was snubbed for the College Football Playoff. (Bloomberg Government)
PRIVACY
A California senator shelved a bill that would make industry-friendly changes to a 2023 law that gave residents the ability to more conveniently delete their data from data broker companies. (Bloomberg Government)
GUN POLICY
The Vermont Legislature gave final approval to a bill that would require “ghost guns” to be taken to a federally licensed gun dealer, who would conduct a background check and apply a serial number to the weapon. (Vermont Public)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) vetoed a bill that would hold school districts and other political subdivisions liable if they fail to act on suspected child abuse. (Nebraska Examiner)
SOCIAL POLICY
The Oklahoma Senate approved a bill that would define an individual’s sex based on their reproductive system, sending the measure back to the House. (Tulsa World)
The Ohio Senate sent Gov. Mike DeWine (R) a bill that would scrap an exemption that shields individuals from being prosecuted for rape and other sex offenses against their spouse. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed three bills aimed at combating human trafficking, including one that makes it a felony to groom a minor. (Savannah Morning News)
Tennessee‘s Republican-controlled House shelved a measure that would bar local governments from paying to study or disperse funding for reparations for slavery. (Associated Press)