FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2026 CONTACT: Gov.Press@illinois.gov
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 315, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Measures Act, a groundbreaking law that establishes the nation’s strongest framework for AI safety, transparency and accountability. The bipartisan legislation positions Illinois as a national leader in requiring the largest AI developers to identify, disclose and mitigate risks while ensuring independent oversight and protections for workers who report safety concerns. The law received broad support, from safety and transparency advocates to tech industry leaders, demonstrating broad agreement on the need to establish responsible parameters around AI.
“As AI systems become more powerful and the federal government is unwilling to intervene, states have a responsibility to protect our people from the dangers of AI while leveraging the technology’s unique potential.” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “People want protection from the risks of AI, and Illinois is committed to a bipartisan, first and most comprehensive protection law in the country.”
“Artificial intelligence opens up incredible opportunities, but also poses new risks, especially for young people” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Illinois shows that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand by setting clear expectations that help protect our communities while supporting the responsible development and use of AI. We can embrace new technologies while ensuring they reflect our values, protect the public and help build a stronger future for all.”
“Frontier model AI systems have the potential to be used for many good things. However, because of their enormous computing power, they could also cause catastrophic events such as cyberattacks or developers or users bypassing control of the system.” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “In the absence of federal oversight of this critical security area, Illinois is committed to closing the gap. I commend legislative sponsors and Governor Pritzker for this new law that will establish guardrails and provide needed transparency.”
The nation’s first AI security law
The Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act establishes a framework that requires developers of the largest advanced AI systems to publicly disclose security practices, report significant security incidents, and maintain rigorous compliance processes. The law also creates confidential reporting channels and whistleblower protections for employees who raise concerns about AI security.
Additionally, Illinois is the first state in the country to require regular, independent, third-party security audits of covered AI systems to ensure oversight is conducted by qualified experts without financial conflicts of interest.
The legislation reflects Illinois’ commitment to fostering technological innovation while ensuring that new technologies are developed responsibly. By creating clear expectations for industry, the law provides both public protection and greater certainty for companies investing in AI development.
Hold Big Tech accountable
Governor Pritzker has consistently advocated for policies that promote responsible technology, including efforts to protect children online and hold major technology platforms accountable when their products pose risks to consumers. SB 315 passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support and takes effect January 1, 2027.
“The advances we have seen in recent years demonstrate the enormous potential that new technologies have to transform our economy, remove barriers and create opportunities – but they also raise critical questions about everything from safety to our economy to mental health.” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “That’s why our approach to this technology is focused on people’s needs.”
“This represents an important review of consumer security in a growing industry that has sensitive access to our personal information.” said Senate President Don Harmon. “I am proud of the work the sponsors have done to set a standard for safety, accountability and transparency that will hopefully serve as a national model.”
“This bipartisan legislation is about taking responsible protective measures before a preventable disaster occurs. Illinois has the opportunity to lead the nation in setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability and public safety.” said State Senator Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “While artificial intelligence holds extraordinary promise from curing disease to transforming scientific research, we have a responsibility to address the catastrophic risks associated with these systems.”
“The pace of AI development and the capabilities of border models are increasing, and the General Assembly has a duty to ensure Illinoisans are protected from catastrophic consequences.” said State Representative Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation sets enforceable guardrails so that Big Tech companies must prioritize safety, be transparent about the risks associated with their systems and take responsibility for preventing serious harm, especially when it comes to protecting children.”
“Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature boldly support stronger protections to monitor powerful AI.” said Nick Beckstead, CEO of Secure AI Project. “Illinois is the first state to require independent, third-party assessments of AI security practices, making its AI law the strictest in the country.”
“With SB 315, Illinois becomes the first state to combine AI transparency requirements with independent verification, an important step toward the accountability this technology requires.” said Cesar Fernandez, head of U.S. state and local government relations at AnthropiC. “Anthropic is proud to be the first AI lab to support this bill, and we commend Governor Pritzker and the sponsors, Senator Mary Edly-Allen and Representative Daniel Didech, for their leadership on this critical issue.”
“SB 315 is the strongest AI safety law in the country. It builds on the frameworks that California and New York have already adopted and goes a step further by requiring independent audits so the public doesn’t have to take AI companies at their word. Illinois has set the new standard.” said Sunny Gandhi, Co-Executive Director of Encode AI.
“SB 315 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support because lawmakers recognize the same fundamental truth: the public demands security and transparency from the AI companies that shape its future. Illinois has created a new template for responsible AI governance that we expect other states and ultimately Congress to follow.” said Steve Wimmer, senior technical and policy advisor at Transparency Coalition.
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https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-signs-nation-leading-artificial-intelligence-safety-law
