Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would require companies to disclose when they’re using AI chatbots and not a human to talk with consumers passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“We’ve all experienced it before. You call a company for help, and the next thing you know, you’re frustrated by the lack of answers – only to realize minutes later you’re talking to a chatbot rather than a real person,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “People deserve to know whether they are communicating with a human or an AI system from the very beginning of an interaction.”

Senate Bill 317 would require any person or company using a conversational artificial intelligence system in a chat interface to communicate with a consumer during trade or commerce to provide the consumer with a clear and conspicuous disclosure at the beginning of the interaction that the consumer is communicating with an automated system and not with a human.

SPRINGFIELD – As the use of artificial intelligence and biometric systems permeates sectors, including education, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to protect students' sensitive information.

“In a digital age, we must do everything we can to protect children’s sensitive information, especially in school settings,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The use of biometric systems in schools opens the door for the misuse of data or a potential breach. Students and their families deserve to know that their information is secure.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and 25-34 in the United States, underscoring growing concerns about the role online platforms and AI systems can play in vulnerable users’ mental health crises. To increase protections aimed at preventing self-harm, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation to establish safety standards for artificial intelligence companion chatbots, including sexually explicit interactions with minors.

“As artificial intelligence becomes more personal and conversational, we have a responsibility to ensure these systems are not exploiting vulnerability or putting users, especially young people, in harm’s way,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “AI companions are being marketed as emotional supports and trusted confidants, but without safeguards, these systems can reinforce dangerous behavior or fail to intervene during moments of crisis.”

SPRINGFIELD — To expand access to dental care, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is carrying legislation designed to ensure patients can access virtual dental care safely while maintaining strong professional standards.

“Whether it is because of a disability or lack of access to transportation, people often struggle to make it to the dentist as much as they should,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “While it may seem harmless early on, missing out on routine dental work can lead to costly emergency room visits down the road.”

SPRINGFIELD – More people who live near O’Hare and Midway could soon be eligible for sound insulation programs through legislation led by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“With the ongoing expansion and upgrades at O’Hare Airport, we must be proactive in adjusting to the traffic this expansion will bring,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Increased air traffic means increased noise, so this legislation recognizes that we should be providing insulation to any new households that need it.”

Murphy’s Senate Bill 4041 would require O’Hare and Midway airports to conduct studies every five years on eligibility for residential sound insulation programs. The studies would use modern modeling techniques to collect data, aiming to ensure every household exposed to excessive noise from the airports is eligible for sound insulation assistance.

SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings carried legislation that would protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years.

“On behalf of my neighbors back home, I have made it my mission to get them the answers they deserve on their insurance bill,” said Hastings. “There is no world where insurance companies should get away with 20% or more rate hikes without having to explain where those numbers are coming from.”

House Bill 4273 would prohibit a company selling homeowners insurance from increasing premiums by more than 10% without first notifying the consumer 60 days prior. This would give consumers the necessary time to shop around and find a better rate. Most importantly, the bill would prohibit homeowners insurance premiums from being excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. The measure would be overseen by the Illinois Department of Insurance, with set rules for hearings on newly fled rates.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is working to become a national leader in the realm of enhancing safety and privacy within the artificial intelligence space. During a press conference Wednesday, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their multi-measure package that would put forth protections against harmful AI outcomes as it relates to mental health help, identity security, price gouging safeguards and other areas that need more guardrails.

“Artificial intelligence is already shaping nearly every part of our daily lives, and Illinois cannot afford to wait for Washington to act,” said Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislative package is the result of months of hearings and collaboration focused on creating responsible safeguards around AI, including consumer protections, data privacy, child safety and transparency in schools. Our goal is to help establish clear standards that protect the public while allowing innovation to move forward responsibly.”

To enhance commonsense guardrails on large AI companies – and in turn build public trust – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) is leading Senate Bill 315. The measure would require large developers – such as ChatGPT and Claude – to provide an independent, third party annual report explaining what mechanisms they have in place to mitigate catastrophic risks, provide transparency reports and report critical safety incidents. Further, it would require the companies to report a critical safety incident within 72 hours of learning about it, or 24 hours if the incident poses an imminent risk of death or serious physical harm.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is advancing legislation aimed at improving emergency response in Illinois schools using mobile panic alert systems. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.

“As a dad, school safety isn’t abstract to me, it’s personal,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Schools should have reliable, straightforward tools that help protect our kids and give staff a direct line to law enforcement and emergency services.”

House Bill 5107 would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.