Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Guzmán cracks down on landlords and AI corporations

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of sky-high rental costs in Chicago and across Illinois, Senator Graciela Guzmán is working to crack down on price fixing schemes landlords conduct using AI algorithms.

“This measure is about restoring fairness, transparency and accountability to our housing market by cracking down on AI-driven rent fixing schemes that undermine competition and exploit renters,” said Guzmán. “I’m proud to have worked alongside partners at the city, state and local levels to confront the growing abuse of algorithmic pricing tools and put people ahead of corporate greed.” 

Read more: Guzmán cracks down on landlords and AI corporations

Martwick advances measure to keep artificial intelligence from grading student work

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick has advanced legislation that would require students be graded by teachers and not artificial intelligence.

“We are navigating a new frontier of artificial intelligence,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “It is incumbent on us to ensure that there are guardrails to ensure the people of Illinois have baseline consumer protections and privacy they deserve in a rapidly changing environment. It is essential for us to provide protections to students in educational settings.”

Senate Bill 416 would prohibit teachers from using artificial intelligence to grade a student’s work. It requires that any other use of AI in a classroom setting be approved by the schoolboard.

Read more: Martwick advances measure to keep artificial intelligence from grading student work

Cunningham measure expands opportunities for deputy sheriff recruitment

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced legislation that would help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain qualified deputy sheriffs.

“Departments across the state are facing ongoing staffing shortages, and we need to make sure qualified young adults have a pathway into public service careers,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation helps modernize recruitment standards while maintaining important training and probationary requirements.”

Senate Bill 1700 would maintain the current minimum age requirement of 21 years old for county police officers, while allowing individuals to serve beginning at age 20 if they have completed two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university. The measure would also allow correctional officers and full-time deputy sheriffs not employed as county police officers to be appointed beginning at age 18.

Read more: Cunningham measure expands opportunities for deputy sheriff recruitment

Edly-Allen advances new AI safety measure to address catastrophic risks, increasing transparency

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced legislation Wednesday to establish safety standards and transparency requirements for the largest artificial intelligence developers as AI systems become increasingly integrated into critical infrastructure, cybersecurity and public safety operations.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and is like the ‘Wild Wild West’ with little to no guardrails in place. While these tools can create opportunities, they also come with serious risks if left unchecked,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This measure is about putting responsible safeguards in place before a preventable catastrophe occurs. Illinois has an opportunity to lead the nation by setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability and public safety.”

Read more: Edly-Allen advances new AI safety measure to address catastrophic risks, increasing transparency