AI Regulation in Illinois: New Bills Address Education, Employment, and Liability
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Legislators in Illinois have introduced a broad package of artificial intelligence bills aimed at creating one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the country.
Overview of the Proposed Legislation
Six proposals, introduced recently, touch nearly every major area where AI is emerging, including classrooms, workplaces, and professional services.
Education Initiatives
One significant bill, SB3492, directs the Illinois State Board of Education to develop statewide guidance for teaching artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other rapidly evolving technologies in K-12 schools. This measure emphasizes a workforce-focused curriculum designed to prepare students for future job markets.
A separate proposal, HB5113, aims to establish a statewide Artificial Intelligence Use in Education Commission. This commission will study the impacts of AI tools and smartphones on student learning, mental health, and classroom behavior. It is required to hold ten public meetings across Illinois and release biannual reports through 2030.
Workplace Regulations
As automation accelerates, SB3571 mandates employers to report layoffs caused by artificial intelligence. Companies must detail the number of workers whose jobs were lost due to AI replacing or automating their roles. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will include AI-related causes in any public layoff reports.
Transparency for Professionals
Under SB3601, licensed professionals—including financial advisers, real-estate agents, and cosmetologists—will be required to disclose when individuals are interacting with AI instead of a human representative. This measure aims to enhance transparency in professional settings.
Product Liability Framework
Two additional bills, SB3502 and SB3590, introduce similar frameworks for AI product liability, treating certain AI systems akin to traditional consumer products. These measures enable individuals or businesses to sue AI developers for defective designs, inadequate warnings, or unfulfilled promises in express warranties. They also hold deployers (companies using AI systems) accountable if they significantly alter or misuse these systems.
Conclusion
Together, these bills indicate Illinois’ movement toward a sector-specific model of AI regulation rather than a singular, sweeping law. If enacted, Illinois could become one of the most proactive states in establishing rules governing the use of AI and determining liability when it causes harm.
As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, these legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive oversight in a rapidly changing technological environment.
