AGP Executive Report

Online Safety & AI: Gov. Ned Lamont signed Connecticut’s Protecting Connecticut Residents from AI-related harm Act, setting rules for AI chatbots, minors on social media, and disclosure when AI is used in employment decisions, while funding AI literacy for small businesses and nonprofits. Privacy Fight in Congress: A GOP-backed Secure Data Act would override state privacy laws in at least 22 states, but EPIC plans to tell lawmakers it’s “worse than no federal data privacy law at all,” arguing key opt-out limits don’t cover common tracking identifiers. Offshore Wind Lawsuits: New York AG Letitia James sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal to end offshore wind projects, and Connecticut joined a multi-state challenge alleging a “sham” pay-not-to-play scheme that harms jobs and climate goals. DOJ Retreat on “Anti-Weaponization” Fund: Acting AG Todd Blanche told lawmakers the $1.8 billion fund will not move forward, while also keeping an IRS tax-probe immunity provision tied to the broader settlement. CT Accountability: Hartford auditors flagged serious concerns about oversight of a $6 million federal USDA grant tied to the city’s Office of Sustainability. Crypto Crime: A “Godfather” crypto figure pleaded guilty in a case tied to a $245 million Bitcoin heist and a kidnapping plot. Local Politics: A CT GOP candidate faced bipartisan backlash over an anti-Pride Month/anti-LGBTQ+ social media post.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James is leading a lawsuit joined by Connecticut and six other states to block the Trump administration’s March deal paying TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, with states arguing the buyout skipped required procedures and threatens jobs, power supply, and climate goals. AI at Work in Connecticut: Connecticut’s Online Safety Act updates take effect Oct. 1, 2026, requiring employers to disclose when automated tools materially influence hiring and other employment decisions, expanding coverage and tightening rules around sensitive data. DHS Court-Order Standoff: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faced sharp questioning from Sen. Chris Murphy and other Democrats, refusing to clearly commit to following court orders, arguing courts are “politicized.” Justice Dept. Retreats: Acting AG Todd Blanche told House lawmakers the DOJ is scrapping the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund after backlash and court pauses. Local Government: Fairfield activated 24/7 speed cameras in six school zones, with escalating fines for repeat violations. Connecticut Politics & Policy: The CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission held its first meeting, setting subcommittees and adding energy assistance and efficiency as a focus area.

Iran Talks and War: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told senators Iran has agreed to negotiate parts of its nuclear program, even as Tehran says it’s ending peace talks and fully closing the Strait of Hormuz—setting up fresh scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers. Connecticut Courts and Law: AG William Tong led a coalition urging the Federal Judicial Center to reverse its removal of climate science guidance from a judicial manual, arguing the change was driven by partisan pressure. Offshore Wind Fight: Tong joined other states in suing the U.S. Department of the Interior to block a TotalEnergies settlement that cancels offshore wind leases in exchange for taxpayer-funded payouts and oil-and-gas commitments. Public Health: Health officials warn of rising tick risk this June, with Connecticut among the states flagged for higher Lyme concerns. Connecticut Politics: Lamont faces growing calls to replace SNAP losses with state aid as federal rule changes cut Connecticut enrollment. Local Justice: A New Haven jury convicted Albert Eaddy in the 2019 killing of Troy Clark and the wounding of a police captain. Economy/Workplace: A New Haven residency requirement waiver system was approved for city officials, allowing case-by-case exemptions.

Court Watch: A federal appeals court ruled Trump’s policy to expel transgender troops violates equal protection, with the panel split on whether it also covers people seeking to enlist. Connecticut Budget & Oversight: Comptroller Sean Scanlon projected a $322.8 million FY26 General Fund surplus and highlighted major 2026 legislation impacts, including Connecticut’s online safety law. Cyber & Privacy: Charter Communications faces five Connecticut federal lawsuits over an alleged hack exposing more than 40 million records. AI & Work Rules: Connecticut’s new workplace AI requirements are being framed as a major shift for employers, including notice duties tied to AI-caused layoffs. Online Safety: State officials urged parents to watch for violent extremist networks that target minors online, including cases tied to sextortion and swatting. Local Governance: Westfield police canceled a planned stop by Trump-backed “Freedom Truck” after concerns about partisan ties undermining public trust. Education & Leadership: A letter argues Stamford’s board isn’t doing enough to close achievement gaps as a new superintendent takes over.

Retirement-Fund Fight: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a 24-state coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul opposing a Trump administration proposal that would steer more 401(k) money into riskier alternatives like crypto and private credit, with the Labor Department estimating 4.5 million workers and retirees and $178 billion could be pulled into higher-risk funds each year. Maine Senate Drama: In Maine’s high-stakes Democratic Senate primary, candidate Graham Platner’s wife Amy Gertner called media coverage of alleged sexually explicit texts “shameful,” as the controversy continues to swirl ahead of the June vote. Connecticut Governance: Lawmakers passed a sweeping bill overhauling the Department of Children and Families, adding new oversight and supports amid scrutiny of recent child deaths and casework problems. Hartford Fire Displacement: A new report highlights how fires have displaced nearly 3,000 Hartford residents since 2020, renewing pressure on inspection and landlord accountability. Connecticut Politics & Campaigns: Connecticut Young Republicans launched a new legislative caucus and says it will commit five-figure funding to targeted House and Senate races. Sports Gambling Legal Battle: Courts continue wrestling with whether CFTC-regulated prediction markets are preempted from state sports-gambling rules, with Kalshi-related cases driving a patchwork of rulings. World Cup Watch (Tri-State): Anti-trafficking groups and police warn mega-event crowds could raise human-trafficking risks, with Connecticut officials preparing for spillover.

Maine Senate Shake-Up: Graham Platner’s Democratic bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins took another hit as reports surfaced about sexually explicit texts with multiple women; Platner’s wife Amy Gertner backed him, calling the coverage “gossip” and “shameful,” while a former campaign staffer said the campaign assessed the messages as a potential election vulnerability. Medicaid Fraud Fix: A Connecticut policy push argues HUSKY Health needs a 21st-century tool to catch “ghost claims,” where providers bill for services that patients say never happened. Public Safety: Connecticut’s gun-storage reminder for Gun Storage Check Week stresses secure storage can prevent suicide by creating a critical pause during crises. Community & Pride: Pride Month kicks off across Connecticut with town events and public officials showing up for LGBTQ+ community visibility and support. State Investment in Infrastructure: East Hartford’s Rentschler Field received $9 million in State Bond Commission funding for field, scoreboard, lighting, and repairs. Food Safety at Markets: State officials urged cottage food businesses and shoppers to follow licensing, labeling, and food-safety rules as farmers markets ramp up. Online Safety Law Debate: Connecticut’s Kids Online Safety Act discussion continues, with lawmakers and advocates pushing for stronger protections for minors online.

Online Safety & Kids: Connecticut’s AG is scrutinizing Roblox over child-safety concerns, while national debate over the Kids Online Safety Act keeps parents and lawmakers focused on location sharing and predator access. Health Care Costs: A new report highlights how Connecticut patients are getting hit with major medical-debt bills and lawsuits after insurer disputes, underscoring the risk of “surprise” charges. Medicaid Work Requirements: States are pushing back on Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, warning the policy could force cuts to other essentials like health care and education. Connecticut Politics & Campaigns: “Power & Politics” spotlights the legislative session’s business impact, a growing challenge in CT’s 3rd District race, and the Roblox investigation. Transportation & Privacy: The speed-camera fight continues, with Connecticut officials weighing privacy, enforcement, and public-hearing requirements. Energy & Housing: CT keeps momentum on solar incentives and plug-in solar policy, while housing approvals and local zoning changes remain in the spotlight. Business & Regulation: Connecticut’s workplace AI rules and broader employment AI compliance are drawing attention as new obligations roll in.

Housing & Local Control: New Canaan’s Planning and Zoning Commission gave final approval to a controversial 102-unit, four-and-a-half-story complex at Weed and Elm—after a court order tied to the state’s 8-30g affordable-housing rules—setting up a fresh fight over how much say towns really have. State Budget & Borrowing Clash: Gov. Ned Lamont and GOP challenger Ryan Fazio traded barbs over borrowing as the Bond Commission backed $652 million in investments, from childcare and housing to public safety and EVs. Energy Policy: Connecticut lawmakers moved to extend home and community solar incentives through 2035, with batteries emerging as the big winners under the updated program. Utilities & Rates: Connecticut regulators ended “unilateral” decisions amid utility suits, while state leaders continued pushing back against Eversource rate hikes. Workplace & AI Compliance: Connecticut’s omnibus workplace changes and new employment AI rules are landing on employers now, with new obligations for pay, accommodations, and AI decision-making. Public Safety Tech: Fairfield is set to start issuing fines for its speed camera program next week, as lawmakers and officials renew pressure over license-plate camera rules and data sharing. Education & Childcare: The Bond Commission also approved $16.5 million for childcare capital improvements and a One Entry Portal to streamline access. Legal & Courts: A judge temporarily blocked Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, while Connecticut’s broader court docket continues to shape policy fights. Sports: The Los Angeles Sparks, led by Erica Wheeler and Nneka Ogwumike, head to Hartford to face the Connecticut Sun.

Online Safety Act: Gov. Ned Lamont signed Connecticut’s Online Safety Act, a broad AI and platform rules package with key provisions starting Oct. 1, 2026, plus staggered duties for AI companions and covered platforms. Gun Policy: Lamont also signed a law banning Glock-style firearms with a cruciform trigger bar, setting up immediate legal fights. Utilities & Affordability: State leaders are blasting Eversource after it proposed average residential rate hikes of about 13% (up to $25/month), with Lamont promising credits instead of a surcharge. Housing Compliance: Old Lyme is moving to amend zoning to meet the new state “middle housing” mandate that limits local review and pushes small multifamily/mixed-use approvals. Prediction Markets: The CFTC is escalating its court fight over state authority, suing Minnesota and targeting Connecticut and other states’ efforts to regulate event-contract prediction markets. Courts & Federal Funds: A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund from being set up or disbursed while litigation proceeds. Local Budgets: Granby’s budget passed on the third referendum vote, after education and BOE concerns fueled earlier defeats.

Privacy & Data Brokers: Gov. Ned Lamont signed SB4 to ban the sale of precise geolocation data in Connecticut, joining a small set of states cracking down on location tracking and also tightening rules around “surveillance pricing” and facial recognition. Courts & Federal Power: A Virginia federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, pausing any transfers or payouts while a lawsuit challenges the program. Connecticut Politics: State Sen. Bob Duff says Connecticut should tax any Jan. 6-linked payouts from the blocked fund at 100%, arguing no one should profit from the Capitol riot. Election Rights: Native voting rights groups warn that a recent Supreme Court Voting Rights Act ruling is already triggering redistricting moves that could further restrict Native access ahead of 2026. AI at Work: Connecticut’s new employment AI transparency law (SB 5) is set to reshape how employers disclose and defend automated hiring decisions. Prediction Markets: The CFTC moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s prediction-market fight, arguing federal authority should control the space. Local Governance: Fairfield lawmakers are debating whether to pause a speed camera program after projected violations during the rollout period sparked backlash. Economic Development: Unilever announced a $300M global innovation center in downtown New Haven, aiming to replace its Trumbull R&D site by spring 2029.

Public Safety & Privacy: Fairfield’s speed safety cameras are now issuing citations after a May warning period, with police saying violations dropped 33% in school zones—while critics keep pressing concerns about surveillance. Criminal Justice & Courts: A Connecticut appellate judge questioned a prosecutor’s “socioeconomic” framing in a manslaughter case, adding uncertainty to the conviction. Housing & Civil Rights: LGBTQ advocates in West Hartford highlighted high eviction rates and the difficulty of proving discrimination, urging stronger protections. Government Tech & Data: WFSB’s I-Team reports at least 34 Connecticut police departments use license plate readers and digs into who can search the data and why. Health Policy & Cybersecurity: Connecticut’s Medicaid “Husky” portal hack attempt reportedly targeted provider payments, affecting thousands. Higher Education Governance: Faculty and students at CSCU voted no confidence amid leadership turmoil and board scrutiny. State Utilities: Eversource and UI agreed to drop a PURA lawsuit tied to former regulator Marissa Gillett’s conduct. International & Defense: CT’s Blumenthal and Himes urged more U.S. air-defense missiles for Ukraine as Russia escalates strikes. Gun Policy: The National Shooting Sports Foundation says it will challenge Connecticut’s Glock ban in court.

Defense & Jobs: CT’s congressional delegation says Pratt & Whitney will get a $30.8M Pentagon contract modification to produce F135 jet engines at its Cromwell plant, framing it as a boost to the state’s defense manufacturing base. Utility Oversight: Eversource and United Illuminating’s parent, along with PURA, move to end a lawsuit tied to PURA decision-making under former chair Marissa Gillett. Internet Safety: Connecticut officials continue investigating Roblox over child-safety concerns, while AG Jay Jones backs stronger online guardrails. Retail Privacy Fight: Lawmakers press Home Depot and Lowe’s on controversial anti-theft license-plate scanning, demanding details on whether Connecticut stores use it and how data is shared. Elections & Ballots: A new petition drive is underway in CT’s 92nd House District as Democrats look toward an August primary challenge. Homeschooling: HSLDA condemns Connecticut’s new homeschooling law requiring a DCF background check for families. Weather Readiness: New research finds U.S. power outages are lasting longer, driven largely by extreme weather—an issue CT residents feel when storms hit.

Roblox Probe: Connecticut AG William Tong launched a formal investigation into Roblox, calling it a “predator’s playground” and seeking records on what the company knew about child exploitation and how it profits from minors. Higher Ed Turmoil: Three Connecticut colleges voted no confidence in CSCU leadership and the Board of Regents, demanding answers and triggering an independent review. State Courts: The Connecticut Supreme Court reversed wins in a lost mortgage note dispute, faulting mortgage servicing affidavits. DMV Digital ID: Mobile ID is finally coming to Connecticut after a five-year wait, with privacy groups raising concerns even as DMV says data is secure. Consumer Protection: The state Department of Consumer Protection reminded residents about cottage food rules and food safety ahead of farmers market season. Public Safety Prep: CT emergency leaders urged residents to prepare for a “below normal” hurricane season anyway, citing past impacts and the need for evacuation plans and emergency kits. Local Government: Newington will host a “Stop Hate Together” community program on hate crimes prevention. Workforce Funding: Southern Connecticut State University and Rep. Rosa DeLauro announced $2.25M for “The Hive” emerging tech workforce hub.

State Bonding Plan: Connecticut’s Bond Commission meets Friday to consider about $2.4 billion in financing, including a $1.74B general obligation bond sale and roughly $652.7M for housing, transportation, and redevelopment. Budget & Property Taxes: Gov. Ned Lamont signed the FY 2027 budget adjustment, boosting school and municipal funding while aiming to stabilize and lower property taxes and expand early childhood education. Housing & Economic Development: The bond agenda highlights major investments like $75M for the flexible housing program and nearly $63M for the Community Investment Fund, including projects in East Hartford, West Haven, Stamford, and Hartford. AI Oversight in Government: A new report on how AI bias can affect state audit selection spotlights concerns about automated systems used to choose taxpayers for scrutiny. Online Child Safety Fight: Connecticut and other Democratic AGs are pushing back on the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would preempt stronger state protections for children online. Local Politics: Josh Elliott won a Democratic endorsement for House reelection while also pursuing a gubernatorial primary challenge. Public Safety & Health: The VA launched an MDMA-assisted therapy trial for veterans in West Haven and Providence, and the Defense Department reported rare tick-borne viruses detected on or near CT military sites. Privacy Clash: Lawmakers pressed Home Depot and Lowe’s over automated license plate readers and data-sharing concerns. Courts & Accountability: A CT trooper acquitted in a 2020 fatal shooting has returned to full duty and been promoted to sergeant.

Roblox Crackdown: Connecticut AG William Tong launched a state-led investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation, demanding records on what the company knew, how it profited, and what it did to protect kids—plus concerns about a game tied to the Sandy Hook shooting. Online Kids Protections: The push is part of a broader fight over federal law: Tong and other AGs are backing stronger state authority and opposing the KIDS Act for preempting state protections. Courtroom ID Fight: Connecticut justices upheld in-court identification after a tainted photo array issue, signaling courts will scrutinize police procedures but still allow testimony when judges find it proper. Budget & Public Safety: Gov. Lamont signed the FY 2027 budget, and the state also moved to fund AEDs in schools and town buildings. Transportation Safety: A new warning ties expanding cannabis access to more dangerous roads, as CT continues to battle high-risk driving. Politics: Rep. Josh Elliott won an uncontested House reelection endorsement while running for governor in the August Democratic primary.

Roblox Probe: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced an investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation, with the state saying it wants to know what the company knew, how it profited, and what it did to protect kids. Utility Profits Pushback: New England governors, including Gov. Ned Lamont, urged federal regulators to reject a plan that would let transmission owners boost profit margins and delay refunds to ratepayers. Nuclear Workforce Study: Lamont signed a law requiring a study of what jobs and training Connecticut would need if advanced nuclear ever becomes commercially viable. License Plate Camera Scrutiny: CT lawmakers asked Home Depot and Lowe’s for details on how they collect and share data from automated license plate readers used in store parking lots. Budget Adjustment: Lamont is expected to sign a budget tweak sending extra money for schools and local governments, plus more for early childhood education. Energy/Power Fight: Public advocates sued to block a major New Hampshire transmission project, arguing the scope is overstated. Murphy’s Realignment Pitch: Sen. Chris Murphy’s new book argues political realignment is coming—and challenges Democrats to seize it first. Gas Watch: Diesel prices in New Haven County hit a low around $5.29 for the week ending May 16.