Illinois bans AI use for teacher evaluations

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt spearheaded a new law that will ban the use of AI tools in teacher evaluations.

“I believe that our teachers should be judged based on actual observations and professional judgement, not by AI software,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Our educators deserve a transparent and fair evaluation process that demonstrates their actual work in the classroom and protects their privacy.”

Senate Bill 2909 will prevent school administrators from using AI to write teacher evaluations. A teacher evaluation is a formal process used to measure an educator's effectiveness, instructional skills and classroom performance. The use of AI while writing these evaluations brings up many transparency and privacy concerns for teachers.

Read more: Illinois bans AI use for teacher evaluations

Turner law to ensure people know about prescription recalls

SPRINGFIELD – People in Illinois will soon have a quicker way to know whether their medications have been recalled thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“People need to be up-to-date on what’s happening with their medications, especially for our seniors,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I heard from a number of constituents who were unaware of recalls on their prescriptions, and it is clear that we need an avenue for people to instantly find answers on medications they take.”

Turner’s law will require licensed pharmacies in Illinois to post a clear and conspicuous sign near their pharmacy counter and drive-up window that includes a QR code informing patients of the ability to sign up for medication recalls via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.

The new law will ensure patients can receive instant access to medication recall information without adding new mandates or responsibilities on pharmacists.

Senate Bill 3223 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.

Johnson leads law to expand access to life-saving asthma medication at Illinois schools

SPRINGFIELD – To protect the health of students with asthma, State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law will ensure that life-saving asthma medication will be available in school gyms.

“Every day students with asthma participate in activities with the knowledge that their asthma medication is not within reach,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By enabling gyms and practice fields to have rescue medication, and allowing coaches to administer it can make all the difference in an emergency. Quick access to treatments reduces hospital visits, improves quality of life and gives students greater security.”

House Bill 4247 will allow schools to maintain a supply of asthma medication at practice fields and gyms and permits coaches and athletic trainers to administer undesignated asthma medication.

Read more: Johnson leads law to expand access to life-saving asthma medication at Illinois schools

Faraci law to rename Kickapoo Rail Trail Bridge in honor of Scott Bennett

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is highlighting a new law he spearheaded that will honor the legacy and lasting impact of the late State Senator Scott Bennett by renaming the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail.

“Scott Bennett’s impact on not only East Central Illinois but also the entire state will never go unnoticed, and this is a small token of our appreciation toward his tireless efforts to the betterment of the 52nd District during his time as state senator,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Scott was a mentor, friend and all-around good person, and I’m glad our communities will remember his legacy and memory for generations to come. No one is more deserving of this honor.”

Faraci’s law will honor Bennett’s memory in Vermilion County by designating the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. It will also allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to erect plaques in recognition of the designation, pending the agency’s funding availability.

In his time as the state senator for the 52nd District, serving communities in East Central Illinois from 2015 until his death in 2022, Bennett was a tireless champion of environmental stewardship. As a Central Illinois native, he was also a longtime advocate for Kickapoo Rail Trail, fighting for critical funding to expand regional connectivity through the trail and advocating for proper maintenance of the Kickapoo State Recreation Area.

Senate Bill 2859 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.