News

Proposals could bring AI out of ‘the wild, wild West’

Proposals could bring AI out of ‘the wild, wild West’

State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) holds a news conference about AI legislation. State Capitol, Springfield IL May 13, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – “I don’t know that there has ever been anything in the history of the country that has become so widely used with so little regulation.”

That’s how State Sen. Bill Cunningham (pictured) (D-Chicago) sums up the current state of artificial intelligence. Another lawmaker, State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville), called this “the wild, wild West.”

They spoke at a Capitol news conference introducing eight bills to attempt to regulate AI.

SB 315 would require reporting on internal safeguards by large AI developers.
SB 316 would require AI products to detect suicide triggers and refer the user to help.
SB 317 would require companies to inform you AI, and not a human, is involved in a phone conversation with you.
SB 340 would enable consumers to opt out of having their data used for targeted ads or sold to third parties.
SB 343 would outlaw coordinated rent pricing through a third-party software or algorithm.
SB 415 would limit school use of biometric data to “legitimate instructional purposes.”
SB 416 would prohibit teachers from using AI to issue grades.
SB 318 would stop AI from purchasing entertainment tickets in bulk.

An emailed statement, attributed to OpenAI vice president of global policy Ann O’Leary, says:

“OpenAI supports the Illinois legislature’s efforts to advance frontier AI safety through SB 315. As AI systems become more powerful, clear rules around safety, transparency, incident reporting, and accountability are increasingly important. We believe the U.S. should ultimately have national standards for frontier AI safety, but in the absence of federal action, state efforts like this one in Illinois — alongside legislation already in place in California and New York — are helping to create a de facto nationwide approach.”

Recent Headlines

1 hour ago in Entertainment

With jumpsuits, wigs and dance moves, these young boys and teens keep Elvis’ legacy alive

Fresh

Nearly 50 years after Elvis Presley 's death, a gaggle of exuberant young boys and teens shook up his hometown, intent on keeping the king's legacy alive for a new generation.

1 hour ago in National, Trending

The rise and fall of ‘The Hills’ star Spencer Pratt’s improbable campaign for Los Angeles mayor

Fresh

He wrote a memoir called "The Guy You Loved to Hate." He's dabbled in rap, releasing a song called "I'm a Celebrity." He started a company selling crystals claimed to have healing properties. But Spencer Pratt was not able to pull off his latest venture — an improbable bid to become mayor of Los Angeles.

1 day ago in Entertainment

‘Scary Movie’ tops box office, slaying ‘Masters of the Universe’ and adding to low-budget streak

The summer box office is booming — but not because of the usual suspects. After three weeks of indie horror dominance at the box office, the slasher spoof "Scary Movie" topped ticket sales with $55 million over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, easily besting the far-from-mighty "Masters of the Universe."