Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced a sweeping package of artificial intelligence bills aimed at regulating chatbots, consumer protections, data privacy, and AI use in schools, positioning the state alongside California and New York in shaping AI governance.
The eight-bill package, led by Democratic senators, comes as federal lawmakers have yet to establish comprehensive national AI regulations. Sponsors said the measures are intended to create stronger safeguards around rapidly expanding AI technologies while protecting consumers and students.
“From our observation, not much is happening at all in Washington, so we felt it was necessary for us to act,” said State Sen. Bill Cunningham.
Among the proposals are requirements for AI chatbot providers to disclose when users are interacting with automated systems and to implement protections against self-harm content and sexually explicit interactions involving minors. Other bills would mandate transparency from major AI developers, including annual safety frameworks, third-party audits, and reporting on catastrophic risks associated with advanced AI systems.
Additional measures target AI-driven ticket-buying bots, restrictions on the use of consumer data for targeted advertising and life-altering decisions, and limits on landlords using algorithmic systems to coordinate rental pricing. Education-focused proposals would regulate AI use in classrooms and prohibit facial recognition systems in schools.
Industry representatives warned that state-by-state regulation could create a fragmented compliance landscape. However, lawmakers argued the absence of federal action has made state intervention necessary.
“There are all sorts of threats happening right now about the federal government cracking down on states doing things that the Trump administration doesn’t like,” Cunningham said. “We’re going to do the right thing regardless of those threats.”
Most of the bills have already advanced through committee with bipartisan support, and lawmakers are aiming to pass the package before the legislative session ends on May 31.