Gov. Ned Lamont and fellow Democrats could be headed for a collision course over artificial intelligence – for a second straight year.

Calling it the “Wild West,” the Connecticut state Senate is expected to approve sweeping new AI regulations on Wednesday night.

But Lamont said he would likely veto the legislation if it gets to his desk.

Artificial intelligence is just about everywhere. It can speed up Amazon deliveries, improve your internet searches and lower your doctor’s bill. ChatGPT can even write a term paper for you.

But AI can also be used for scams and “deep fakes”, where highly-sophisticated software impersonates you or someone else. It can also make automated, life-altering decisions – like denying you health coverage.

Now, some Connecticut lawmakers want to regulate the rapidly growing technology.

A bill poised to pass the state Senate bans companies and government agencies from using artificial intelligence to discriminate against people applying for jobs, loans, health care, college admissions and housing.

The bill’s author noted one study showing that AI is already impacting people’s housing options.

“Eighty-five percent of the time, a white-sounding name was preferred over a Black-sounding name,” said state Sen. James Maroney (D-Milford).

The legislation also requires that consumers be notified when AI is being used, what data it’s using and what decisions it’s making.

“We’ve seen the Trump administration literally put regulations in the shredder that President Biden worked on with stakeholders,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Now, it’s literally the ‘Wild West.’”

But the legislation may already be dead on arrival. Before Thursday’s debate, Lamont said the law could scare away new tech startups.

“I just worry about every state going out, doing their own thing, a patchwork quilt of regulations. Connecticut being probably stricter and broader than most,” he told reporters. "I understand people's concerns about AI. I know about ‘deep fakes;’ I know there. I also know that our consumer protections laws are really strong.”

The governor supports parts of the bill that criminalize “deep fake” pornography and expanding AI research and job training.

Last year, the Senate passed similar legislation – but the Connecticut House of Representatives never called it for a vote after Lamont threatened a veto.

Without his blessing, the latest version is likely to face a similar fate.

“Did they reach a deal?” said House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford). “If they were able to get there with the administration, that’s great. We’d love to run the bill.”

To win over skeptics, the new bill shields companies from lawsuits if their AI systems follow national industry standards and don’t commit a “wanton, willful or grossly negligent act.”

But Republicans said Congress – not a small state like Connecticut – should regulate the burgeoning industry.

“We’re seeing in California and Colorado – the laws that they’re putting forth aren’t getting off the ground because they recognize one state can’t regulate this arena,” said House GOP leader Vin Candelora (R-North Branford).

The clock is ticking for both sides to reach a compromise. The General Assembly session ends in three weeks.