Trump loses more control over AI regulation as Illinois passes landmark law

In a significant move for artificial intelligence regulation, Illinois lawmakers have passed a pioneering bill aimed at enhancing AI safety standards. Following President Donald Trump's recent decision to abandon plans for federal oversight of advanced AI models, the Illinois legislature approved SB 315 on Wednesday. This legislation, if signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, will mandate that major AI companies submit public safety plans and annual reports detailing the outcomes of independent safety evaluations of their advanced models. Under the new law, these companies must notify state authorities of any critical safety incidents within 72 hours, or 24 hours if there is a potential risk of death or serious harm. The legislation also provides a secure channel for employees to report emerging safety concerns, safeguarded by the state's whistleblower protections. Governor Pritzker expressed his commitment to signing the bill, stating that Illinois is at the forefront of holding major tech companies accountable. He emphasized his eagerness to ensure that AI technology is used responsibly. Major AI players like OpenAI and Anthropic have voiced their support for SB 315, with OpenAI's global affairs chief noting their push for similar regulations in other states. This strategy appears to be aimed at avoiding a complex landscape of varying state laws. Anthropic's representative highlighted that the law aligns with existing voluntary safety testing protocols among leading AI firms, while also establishing a crucial baseline for all AI developers. This support from prominent companies suggests that while the legislation may favor large firms, it could pose additional challenges for smaller competitors in the industry.