Disruption

Blue states push toward de facto national AI safety standard

Illinois passed a landmark bill similar to those enacted in California and New York.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at the National Action Network Convention in New York, Thursday, April 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Illinois lawmakers gave final approval to sweeping artificial intelligence safety legislation, in defiance of the Trump administration’s warning to states to stand down and allow more time for a national framework to emerge. 

The bill, which Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said he would sign, targets the largest, most powerful AI models with the goal of ensuring they do not unleash catastrophic harm — defined as the death or serious injury of more than 50 people or $1 billion in damage. 

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