Illinois to Implement AI Regulation Framework

Gov. JB Pritzker plans to sign a new bill that provides a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) developers in Illinois. This legislation passed the Illinois General Assembly with strong bipartisan support. With a 110-0 vote in the House and 52-5 in the Senate, it mandates independent audits of safety practices for major AI developers.

Third-Party Audits

The legislation requires third-party audits of AI developers generating over $500 million annually. These audits will evaluate the developers’ safety practices, with companies needing to demonstrate how they address potential “catastrophic risks.” Developers must also report any safety incidents to the state within 72 hours.

Whistleblower Protections

The bill includes protections for whistleblowers. It prohibits companies from blocking employees from reporting safety concerns to authorities. An anonymous reporting process will be established for staff who believe corporate activities pose public health or safety risks.

AI Industry Reactions

AI developers such as Anthropic and OpenAI support the legislation. It sets clear safety, transparency, and accountability expectations with enforceable accountability as AI systems grow more powerful. OpenAI highlighted Illinois’s opportunity to set a national standard by leading states like California and New York.

Further AI Legislation

A range of AI-related bills are moving through Illinois legislation. These include a bill against AI-driven rent pricing platforms, another combating ticket purchasing bots, and a proposal for AI to detect users at risk of self-harm. Other legislation focuses on consumer data protection and limits for schools’ use of biometric data and AI grading.