New Illinois laws: AG highlights legislation on AI, worker protections, and crime victim support
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted four new laws from his office set to take effect on Jan. 1.
"My office has continued to work with the General Assembly to develop legislation to protect children, increase access to state services and advocate for the rights of workers and marginalized communities," Raoul said. "I look forward to our continued collaboration with law enforcement, legislators and various stakeholders to enact policies that protect residents and communities around Illinois."
House Bill 4623
What is it?
This new law bans the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create child sexual abuse material involving real children or obscene imagery.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office said advancements in technology have made it possible to produce realistic, computer-generated images and videos of children. When AI-generated material includes images of real children, those depicted can suffer reputational, emotional, and privacy harm.
Who sponsored it?
The legislation was sponsored in the General Assembly by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen and Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.
House Bill 5371
What is it?
This new law strengthens civil rights protections in Illinois and clarifies aspects of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).
The changes aim to make it easier to hold businesses accountable for patterns of discrimination. For instance, the law clarifies the term "per violation," meaning a business that repeatedly discriminates against multiple employees could face penalties for each instance.
The law also increases the maximum penalties courts can award in pattern-and-practice cases and fair housing lawsuits brought by the Attorney General. It further ensures that aggrieved parties can take action to collect judgments, even if they weren’t directly involved in the state’s enforcement action.
Additionally, the law codifies language from the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003, explicitly prohibiting unjustified disparate impacts in real estate transactions.
Who sponsored it?
The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Laura Fine and Rep. Ann Williams.
House Bill 5561
What is it?
This new legislation aims to protect workers from employer retaliation, strengthen existing state protections, and formalize the authority of Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Workplace Rights Bureau to investigate and hold employers accountable for retaliatory actions.
The law will expand the Illinois Whistleblower Act to cover employees who report legal violations or threats to public health and safety directly to their employers.
The definition of retaliation has also been broadened to include blacklisting employees from future opportunities and immigration-based retaliation. Additionally, the law grants the Attorney General’s office statutory authority to file lawsuits against employers who retaliate or threaten retaliation against workers.
Who sponsored it?
This bill was sponsored by Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Marcus Evans.
Senate Bill 3713
What is it?
A new law will improve access to the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program, administered by the Attorney General’s office.
The program reimburses eligible victims of violent crimes and their families for expenses such as medical bills, funeral and burial costs, relocation expenses, and lost wages resulting from the crime.
The legislation expands eligibility and reduces barriers for victims and their families. It reflects a collaborative effort by the Attorney General’s office, Ascend Justice, and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a longtime partner of the Attorney General’s office.
Who sponsored it?
This law was sponsored by Sen. Robert Peters and Rep. Maurice West II.