Rep. Rashid Announces Legislative Package on Artificial Intelligence

BERWYN, IL –State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, is steering Illinois toward safe, effective and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) with a new bill package regulating the use of the nascent technology in the state.

“It is imperative that the legislature keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI technologies,” said Rashid. “While AI innovation presents meaningful opportunities, it’s clear that serious risks accompany its unregulated proliferation. From political deepfakes that threaten the functioning of our democratic processes, to dangerous and abusive sexual abuse content of children spreading across the internet, we cannot take a wait and see approach.”

Rep. Rashid’s package includes the following legislation:

• HB 4644, or the Illinois Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, addresses emerging deepfake threats head-on by requiring political messages to include clear disclosures of AI use. Tackling unlabeled campaign media that deceptively uses generative AI to imitate a candidate’s likeness, the legislation would help bring an end to the current free-for-all use of deepfakes in the state.
• HB 5399 recognizes the powerful potential AI holds to better society by working to bolster Illinois’ AI workforce. Through initiatives aimed at directing funds into educational institutions for AI programs, this bill positions Illinois to become a long-lasting AI innovation hub.
• HB 4837 criminalizes the creation and sharing of AI-generated content of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), working to combat the growing number of CSAM content currently spreading across the internet.
• HB 5649 establishes regulatory norms for AI-powered mental health services like AI therapists and AI diagnosis platforms.
• HB5321, a consumer protection bill, requires labeling for use of AI systems–setting forth a necessary, baseline standard for AI transparency within the private sector.
• HB5322 implements a new requirement that developers and deployers of AI systems complete and document algorithmic impact assessments (AIAs)–a method of evaluating systems’ efficacy, safety, and risks.
• HB 4836, HB 5228, and HB 4705 address state agency AI applications, state-funded research, and state contractor use of AI. They require transparency, equity, and safety standards for AI use.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues and stakeholders across the state, and those on the AI Task Force to ensure that Illinois is the safest state for AI,” said Rashid. “These bills will collectively ensure we enable positive AI innovation while tackling the very real harms and risks it creates.”

 

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