SPRINGFIELD —To ensure constituents feel comfortable bringing a complaint if they believe they are facing unlawful discrimination with AI, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading legislation that would codify the Illinois Department of Human Rights' present interpretation of the law.   

“As technology continues to evolve, our laws also need to evolve,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I want my constituents and Illinoisans at large to feel comfortable bringing a complaint if they believe they are subject to unlawful discrimination, regardless of whether the instance is related to housing, employment, or any other means.” 

Senate Bill 613 would make it clear that violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act that are conducted using artificial intelligence are unlawful discrimination.

“For all the possibilities that AI helps provide in our modern world, we want to center protections for consumers to ensure we do not allow for the proliferation of discriminatory activities using these tools,” said Guzmán . “In the absence of federal guidance, states are obligated to balance innovation with protecting their constituents. I look forward to building on the gains of this bill to ensure Illinoisans are not suffering from discriminatory action or other possible harms of AI in the future.”  

Senate Bill 613 passed the Senate Human Rights committee on Thursday. It now goes to the floor of the Senate for further consideration.