SPRINGFIELD – A 2024 survey found over 60% of teens use artificial intelligence (AI) tools regularly, raising concerns about exposure to harmful content and unsafe interactions. With AI rapidly shaping daily life, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen proposed new legislation to ensure stronger safeguards for minors and the public.

“Companies are moving quickly to deploy increasingly powerful AI systems, driven by incentives for speed, scale and market dominance. But the incentives to ensure safety, especially for our children, are not keeping pace,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “Power has to be matched with wisdom and accountability. If companies are developing powerful AI tools, they need to take responsibility for how those tools impact people, especially children and we need to act urgently.”  

Senate Bill 3261 would require large AI developers and chatbots providers to publish safety plans, implement safeguards against catastrophic risks, and report harmful incidents, including child safety risks, to the Illinois Attorney General.

The measure also would establish whistleblower protections, third-party audits, and strict reporting timelines for serious safety incidents.

"While advanced artificial intelligence will bring many benefits, we must establish sensible guardrails to guard against cyberattacks and the risks of bioweapons development,” said Scott Wisor, policy director of Secure AI Project. “SB 3261, supported by 89% of Illinoisans, offers the strongest AI safety framework in the country."

Senate Bill 3261 was heard in a subject matter hearing in the Senate AI and Social Media Subcommittee and awaits further consideration.