Illinois lawmakers say they will continue enforcing state laws regulating artificial intelligence after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at limiting state-level AI regulations.
The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and potentially challenge state AI laws that conflict with a national framework promoting U.S. “global AI dominance.” Several Illinois measures could be affected, including laws governing AI use in mental health care, employment decisions, education and digital likeness protections.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s office called the order “unlawful” and “a blatant federal overreach,” saying the governor and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul are reviewing next steps.
“At a time when generative AI is spreading misinformation and raising serious concerns, Illinois is taking responsible, bipartisan action to ensure AI is used safely and ethically,” a spokesperson said.
State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, accused the administration of siding with tech companies over consumers, saying Illinois has both a constitutional right and a moral obligation to regulate AI.
The executive order also directs federal officials to explore whether states with “onerous” AI laws could lose federal funding, including rural broadband dollars — a move Illinois officials called reckless.
Tech leaders praised the order, while some Republican governors questioned whether an executive order can override state law. With Congress failing to pass comprehensive AI legislation, Illinois lawmakers say state-level protections remain necessary.
“Illinois will not be bullied into abandoning its responsibility to protect residents,” said Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove.
