Gov. JB Pritzker intends to sign a groundbreaking bill that sets a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) developers in Illinois. The legislation, passing with strong bipartisan support, positions Illinois as the first state to mandate independent audits for large AI developers’ safety practices. The Illinois House approved the bill with a 110-0 vote, following a 52-5 Senate approval.
This legislation is part of a larger initiative by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly to address AI regulation gaps due to the lack of federal action. State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen emphasized the industry’s need for structured guidance to avert catastrophic risks, likening the current situation to “the Wild Wild West.” State Rep. Daniel Didech, endorsing the bill, noted AI’s vast potential to enhance global living standards, stressing the need for responsible deployment.
Under the new law, AI developers with annual revenues over $500 million must publish assessments of potential catastrophic risks and their mitigation strategies starting January 1, 2028. They will report critical safety incidents to the state within 72 hours and undergo yearly independent compliance audits.
The bill includes protections for whistleblowers, ensuring workers can report potential public dangers anonymously. Pritzker highlighted Illinois’s leading role in ensuring accountability from major tech firms. The bill has widespread support from AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI, who recognize the importance of safety, transparency, and accountability in AI systems.
Senate Republican leader John Curran acknowledged the bill as a pioneering step in tech policy, inviting further legislation to foster AI innovation. This move contrasts with federal hesitation under President Donald Trump’s administration, which rolled back previous AI safety priorities to encourage innovation.
Several other AI-related bills are advancing through the legislature. These include measures against AI-driven rent pricing and the use of bots for ticket purchases. Additional bills address privacy issues, requiring companies to inform customers of automated interactions and prohibit selling sensitive data without consent.
Education-focused bills are also progressing. They limit student biometric data usage to educational purposes and prevent AI from grading student work. These comprehensive AI regulations aim to balance innovation with public safety in Illinois.
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