Illinois governor signs AI safety law requiring audits of frontier models

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed an artificial intelligence safety bill into law, adding a new layer of oversight for developers of advanced AI systems operating in the state.

The Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act requires AI developers to publicly disclose their safety and security practices, report significant AI safety incidents and maintain internal compliance programs. The law, which takes effect Jan 1., also creates confidential reporting channels and whistleblower protections for employees who raise concerns about AI safety.

According to the governor’s office, the law will make Illinois the first state in the nation to require outside evaluations of AI safety practices, conducted by auditors without financial conflicts of interest.

“As AI systems become more powerful and the federal government is unwilling to step in, states have a responsibility to protect our people from the dangers of AI while still harnessing the unique potential of the technology,” Pritzker said in a press release. “People want protections from the risks of AI and Illinois is stepping up with a bipartisan, first- and most-protective-in-the-nation law.”

The legislation drew bipartisan support in both chambers and backing from AI safety organizations and industry leaders, including Anthropic, whose state and local government team said the law combines transparency requirements with independent verification of AI safety practices.

“SB 315 makes Illinois the first state to pair AI transparency requirements with independent verification, an important step toward the accountability this technology demands,” Cesar Fernandez, head of relations for Anthropic’s state and local business, said in the release.

Illinois’ new law reflects a growing trend among states to establish AI governance frameworks. In recent years, state legislatures have attempted to address issues such as procurement, transparency and labor market impacts, often to fill a policy vacuum left by the federal government’s lack of action.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in May directing state agencies to prepare workers, small businesses and communities across the state for the potential economic disruption widespread that adoption of artificial intelligence could bring. Utah last year established the Office of AI Policy to help businesses overcome regulatory snags and protect the public from potential harms.