SB 86, An Act Addressing Innovations In And The Responsible Use Of Artificial Intelligence

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 86, An Act Addressing Innovations In And The Responsible Use Of Artificial Intelligence.  CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

SB 86, Governor Lamont’s legislative proposal on artificial intelligence (AI), seeks to boost Connecticut’s AI-readiness with forward-thinking innovation and investments to help government and business meet the real-world challenges intrinsic to AI deployment and use.  CHA’s position remains that AI has virtually unlimited potential for improving healthcare when used ethically, and that its use, particularly when the state is entrusted with people’s personal data, must be managed with thoughtful and thorough oversight, as opposed to AI use being banned or limited unnecessarily.  The governor’s proposal strikes the right balance.

We specifically applaud those portions of the bill that promote smart planning and attention to a careful inventory of the state’s data assets, while remaining cognizant of the need to ensure all privacy and security controls continue to apply to the data. We also appreciate that SB 86 seeks to move both state government and the private sector forward with respect to responsible uses of AI, without putting data, or people, at risk.  

SB 86 specifically requires a determination of how to best protect data including whether aggregation, redaction, or other techniques are needed to ensure and preserve privacy with state or federal laws.  The bill also requires the state to develop policies and procedures for data quality and data governance to ensure data are appropriately used for their intended purposes and do not lead to unlawful discrimination or disparate impact.  That upfront guidance and transparency is critical to success. 

We look forward to working with Governor Lamont and the involved agencies toward improving Connecticut’s data and AI-readiness. 

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.