The Illinois House of Representatives has passed a landmark bill requiring major AI labs to undergo third-party audits. If signed by Governor JB Pritzker, it will set a new standard for accountability in the industry.

While California and New York have similar laws, this is seen as the toughest so far. The bill mandates independent auditors to verify that AI labs are adhering to their safety standards, ensuring they don’t just trust themselves with homework grading.

OpenAI’s Chris Lehane has shifted his stance, supporting SB 315 over previous bills. He believes it will ‘create a world where federal laws are more likely.’ Yet, other tech groups oppose the legislation, fearing exposure to untested auditors could hinder innovation.

The ongoing debate highlights how state legislatures are becoming key battlegrounds for AI regulation. As these tools become increasingly popular, voters are demanding more oversight and transparency from Big Tech.