Illinois Leaders Resist Trump’s AI Regulation Order
CHICAGO — Illinois lawmakers have expressed a strong commitment to fighting for protections against artificial intelligence following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at shielding tech companies from state regulations related to AI.
Trump’s order specifically targets state laws, including several in Illinois, which he claims are inconsistent with a national policy framework on AI. The response from Illinois officials has been resolute; they are not inclined to be swayed by the influence of what they term “Big Tech”.
In the executive order, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to establish an AI Litigation Task Force within 30 days to assess state AI laws. This task force is set to initiate lawsuits against any regulations that conflict with national policy, which is designed to advance what the President describes as a “global AI dominance” for the United States.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s spokesperson labeled the order as “unlawful” and an example of “blatant federal overreach”. The Illinois Attorney General’s office, along with Pritzker’s office, are currently reviewing the order and contemplating their next steps.
At a time when generative AI is increasingly prevalent and raises significant concerns about misinformation and mental health impacts, Illinois officials emphasize that they are taking responsible bipartisan steps to ensure that artificial intelligence is introduced safely and ethically. They intend to continue advancing what they term “common-sense” policies.
The state has enacted several regulations governing AI applications, including laws affecting mental health care, employment-related decisions, community college teaching, and protections for digital likenesses. Notably, recent amendments to the criminal code clarify that existing laws against child pornography also apply to AI-generated content.
State Representative Bob Morgan, a Democrat from Deerfield, accused President Trump of prioritizing tech companies over the interests of average citizens. Morgan, who has been an advocate for numerous AI-related bills, emphasized, “Under no circumstances will I allow Donald Trump or tech executives to decide whether families are protected from health insurers using AI to deny care or from predatory AI therapists targeting children.” He reinforced that Illinois would not retreat from its regulatory responsibilities in healthcare and public safety.
The federal order defines the advancement of AI companies as vital to national and economic security, maintaining that the U.S. must foster innovation unfettered by cumbersome regulations. Trump contends that state regulations create a patchwork that complicates compliance for AI firms, particularly startups.
Despite the President’s directives, comprehensive federal regulations on AI remain sparse, leading numerous states, including Illinois, to propose over 100 AI-related bills this year alone, with 38 states adopting around 100 regulatory measures. Representative Daniel Didech, another Illinois Democrat, articulated that while some aspects of AI policy could benefit from federal consistency, others must reflect state-specific needs and local circumstances. He stressed the need for a balance that safeguards innovation and public safety rather than advancing partisan agendas.
The response from the tech industry has been mixed. Some leaders welcomed the federal order, including David Sacks, an AI advisor to Trump, who praised it for preventing local communities from being burdened with data center requirements and ensuring that laws designed to shield children from online predation remain effective. Yet, critics in Illinois pointed out that this order illustrates undue influence from tech executives like Sacks, suggesting that this ties back to Trump’s decision-making.
There is palpable discontent among some of Trump’s allies, including several Republican governors who question the authority of the executive order to supersede state law. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remarked that an executive order cannot prevent state legislative action.
Turning back to Illinois, several specific AI laws are at risk due to this recent executive order. Notably, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 1806, which forbids licensed mental health professionals from employing AI in therapeutic contexts. This initiative followed reports that some patients were unknowingly engaging with AI chatbots in their online therapy sessions. Furthermore, House Bill 1859 restricts community colleges from replacing human instructors with AI, while House Bill 4762 offers digital rights protections for artists. Representative Edly-Allen, who championed the latter bills, voiced concerns over the narrowing of protections for creatives, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding individual identities and voices against misuse.
In 2023, another significant measure sought to allow individuals affected by “deepfake porn” to take legal action against creators of such material. The Take It Down Act, co-sponsored by senators across party lines, further symbolizes bipartisan commitment to addressing the ramifications of AI technology.
House Bill 3773 amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit discriminatory practices in hiring decisions that involve AI and mandates transparency from employers regarding AI’s role in employment decisions. This new regulation, effective January 1, will better protect employees against unjust treatment.
Illinois lawmakers consistently advocate for protective measures that respond to real recommendations and documented harms aroused by AI applications, affirming their stance that the state will not be intimidated into relinquishing its responsibility to safeguard its residents.