Rep. Rashid Appointed Co-Chair of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force by Speaker Welch

BERWYN, Ill. – State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, has been appointed by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch to serve as co-chair of the state’s new artificial intelligence (AI) task force.

The task force will consist of legislators, technology experts, educators and other stakeholders to provide informed policy recommendations on AI to the legislature. It will look at the impact of AI on our schools, economy, and civil liberties. Once complete, the task force will submit a report to the General Assembly.

Across the country, state and federal lawmakers are debating how to address the impact of AI technologies. The ramifications of AI use cut across industry. The debate around the proper use of AI features prominently in Hollywood as SAG-AFTRA screenwriters and actors fight for a fair contract.

“I am grateful to Speaker Welch for selecting me to co-chair the AI task force,” said Rep. Rashid. “Artificial intelligence presents opportunities, but also serious and complex public policy challenges for our state, and I look forward to spearheading the effort to place the proper guardrails around it. I intend for this task force to play a critical role in protecting Illinois families from both immediate and long-term risks posed by AI.

“Representative Rashid’s fresh perspective and background in computer science will help guide Illinois’ approach to this emerging technology,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Artificial intelligence offers opportunities for innovation, as well as important conversations that must be had regarding privacy, security, and workplace fairness. I look forward to seeing Representative Rashid lend his perspective and insight to these important discussions.”