SPRINGFIELD – Recording artists could soon have more protections from artificial intelligence (AI) replicating their voice or work under legislation from State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.

“We need strong regulations and protections in place to safeguard artists when people try to steal their work and pass it off as their own using artificial intelligence,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill was made to clarify existing law using language approved by both the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA).”

SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois last year, an estimated 25,832 people experienced homelessness. To increase the accessibility of resources available to help homeless individuals, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked with State Representative Lindsey LaPointe to bring House Bill 3761 through the Senate.

“People experiencing homelessness are often in and out of emergency rooms. Hospital staff, like social workers, are usually under-equipped to connect our unhoused neighbors to services. It is difficult to find resources and we do not have enough emergency shelters to meet the needs,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill solves one of those problems — by providing clear information online on how to begin the process to access shelter and services.”

SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence is a serious public health issue across the United States. In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner. To ensure survivors are not further burdened at work, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen collaborated with State Representative Daniel Didech on House Bill 1278 which passed the Senate Thursday.

“Victims of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This bill can - and will - save lives, and I am proud to carry this legislation through the Senate.”

SPRINGFIELD — The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. In an effort to increase the number of therapy dogs available during times of crisis, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen spearheaded Senate Bill 1491 through the House.

“Therapy dogs have the ability to help reduce stress-induced trauma, bringing instant comfort and relief,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill helps officer wellness and provides the communities officers are serving with certified therapy K-9s to help those in a time of need.”