Pritzker establishes AI cabinet in Illinois amid calls for greater regulation

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has established an AI Cabinet to explore more regulations for artificial intelligence as calls for new restrictions grow nationwide. The unpaid group, comprising experts and representatives from various state agencies, will formulate policy proposals through 2027. Pritzker signed an executive order on Tuesday to create this cabinet, which will analyze and assess the risks posed by AI to the safety of Illinois residents and critical infrastructure.

The cabinet will also formulate policies to protect state assets and assess emerging AI incidents, sharing lessons learned and making recommendations on risk management. Illinois lawmakers have already taken steps to regulate AI, with Senate Bill 315, the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, signed into law in July. The law increases transparency and accountability requirements for the largest AI models and requires annual audits.

Pritzker has been advocating for Congress to step in and impose national standards on AI safety, describing the issue as dangerous on the level of nuclear weapons.