Illinois advances sweeping AI safety bill with mandatory third-party audits

The Illinois House and Senate approved SB 315, a landmark AI-safety bill requiring frontier AI developers to publish annual safety plans and undergo independent third-party audits, plus whistleblower protections and penalties for violations. The measure now goes to Gov. Pritzker, who has said he intends to sign it; if enacted, it would take effect Jan. 1. Supporters say the law strengthens safeguards against catastrophic AI risks, while federal action remains stalled and opponents warn of potential regulatory burdens.