Illinois Passes AI Accountability Bill Targeting Largest AI Developers
Illinois lawmakers passed Senate Bill 315 on Wednesday, requiring the largest AI developers to disclose how they test their systems for safety risks and employ third-party auditors to verify compliance. The bill passed the House 110-0 and now goes to Gov. JB Pritzker for signature.
The legislation targets generative AI and large language models developed by companies with at least $500 million in revenue or computing power above a specified threshold. OpenAI and Anthropic, the two companies most directly affected, supported the bill throughout the legislative process.
Illinois joins New York and California in establishing state-level AI oversight. Lawmakers said federal regulation remains absent, making state action necessary.
What the Bill Requires
Developers must create and publish a transparency framework showing how they measure model capabilities, assess catastrophic risk, and respond to safety incidents. Third-party auditors would verify that companies follow their stated frameworks.
The bill also requires large AI developers to file disclosure statements with the state and pay fees to cover administrative costs. The Illinois attorney general would have sole authority to enforce violations, with civil penalties up to $3 million per violation.
The effective date is 2028, giving developers time to build compliance infrastructure.
Industry Split on Third-Party Audits
The third-party audit requirement divided the industry. TechNet, a coalition of tech executives, said the bill asks companies to make "highly subjective determinations" without national standards or established certifications to guide them.
Secure AI, a nonprofit focused on meaningful AI regulation, supported the audit requirement as essential for accountability.
Rep. Daniel Didech, the House sponsor, said his office confirmed that boutique audit firms and large international accounting firms already have the capability to conduct these reviews. "We were comfortable keeping it in the bill," he said.
Amendments Narrowed Scope
Lawmakers made several changes before final passage. They clarified what qualifications auditors need, what audits should cover, and how companies can protect proprietary information during reviews.
An amendment also made clear the bill does not create a private right of action-meaning citizens cannot sue companies for violations. Only the attorney general can enforce the law.
The bill now goes to the governor, who indicated on social media he intends to sign it.
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