AI regulation

Large AI developers like ChatGPT and Claude could soon be required to give the state an independent annual report documenting the mechanisms they use to address catastrophic risks.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed a bill Wednesday to create safety standards and transparency requirements for large artificial intelligence developers.

Developers like ChatGPT and Claude could soon be required to give the state an independent annual report documenting the mechanisms they use to address catastrophic risks. 

Lawmakers are also demanding AI companies report critical safety issues within 72 hours of learning about them or 24 hours if the incident poses an imminent risk of death or physical harm.

"These provisions closely mirror what is already law in New York and California," said Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove). "Additionally, this bill includes strong whistleblower protections for employees who raise safety concerns and independent third-party audits to verify compliance."

Senate Bill 315 passed unanimously out of the House Wednesday. The proposal previously received a 52-5 vote in the Senate.

"The Illinois General Assembly has shown real bipartisan leadership in advancing Senate Bill 315 and developing a thoughtful framework for frontier AI safety," said OpenAI spokesperson Jamie Radice. "As AI systems become more capable, clear expectations around safety, transparency, incident reporting, and accountability matter." 

Anthropic also celebrated the bipartisan effort to make Illinois the first state to require independent third-party audits of large frontier AI developer safety practices. The business said this plan takes the safety practices leading labs already follow voluntarily and helps establish a baseline that every AI developer is expected to meet.

"As these models grow more powerful, this kind of enforceable accountability matters more than ever," said Head of US State and Local Government Relations at Anthropic Cesar Fernandez. "Illinois lawmakers have set a new standard, and we hope other states and the federal government build on their dedication to AI safety." 

The plan now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final approval. Pritzker posted on X that Illinois is leading the nation in holding Big Tech accountable. The Democrat said he looks forward to signing Senate Bill 315 into law and working with state lawmakers so that AI is used responsibly.

"Governor Pritzker believes that AI is already reshaping economies, education and other facets of everyday life that require action and oversight from states," said Pritzker spokesperson Jillian Kaehler. "Today, Illinois did just that with taking steps to hold Big Tech accountable and prevent them from abandoning responsibilities to keep people safe online." 

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