State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) criticized S.B. 5, An Act Concerning Online Safety, in a statement released on April 22.
Sampson said the proposed legislation represents excessive state intervention into issues that should be handled at the federal level and warned of negative consequences for both businesses and consumers.
“S.B. 5 is another example of Connecticut Democrats trying to regulate a national issue at the state level. Artificial intelligence should be addressed carefully and consistently at the federal level, not through heavy-handed state mandates,” Sampson said.
He further argued that the bill creates unnecessary bureaucracy, increases costs for consumers, and extends government control beyond appropriate boundaries. “This bill reflects a clear misunderstanding of the issue. It creates new bureaucracy, burdens businesses, raises costs for consumers, and expands government control where it does not belong,” he said.
Sampson also stated that S.B. 5 could interfere with parental rights regarding decisions for their children and described it as “anti-business” and “anti-consumer.” He concluded by saying: “Connecticut should be encouraging innovation and growth, not driving it away. This bill deserved serious scrutiny.”
