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Bill

SB 994

ETHICS-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by John Curran

SB 994 requires Illinois state agencies to assess, disclose, and mitigate bias in artificial intelligence systems used for public service decisions.

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Bill Summary · SB 994

Legislative bill overview

SB 994 establishes ethics and accountability standards for the use of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making systems by Illinois state agencies. The bill requires agencies to conduct impact assessments, maintain transparency records, and implement safeguards against bias and discrimination in automated systems used for public services and benefits determination.

Why is this important

As government agencies increasingly rely on AI for decisions affecting citizens—from benefit eligibility to parole recommendations—this bill addresses real risks of algorithmic bias that can perpetuate discrimination and deny people equal access to services. Transparency requirements would allow the public and lawmakers to understand how automated systems make consequential decisions about their lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: State agencies may argue that compliance requirements are expensive and administratively burdensome, potentially diverting resources from service delivery
  • Proprietary concerns: Vendors supplying AI systems may resist detailed transparency requirements as trade secret violations, creating conflicts between accountability and intellectual property protection
  • Enforcement ambiguity: The bill's definitions of "algorithmic bias" and standards for "adequate safeguards" may be vague, making consistent implementation and accountability difficult across different agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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