# Illinois Strengthens AI Safety Requirements

On September 30, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called for federal and international AI safety safeguards, building on the state’s AI Safety Measures Act and an executive order establishing the Illinois AI Cabinet. The law requires covered AI companies to develop risk-mitigation frameworks, undergo annual independent audits, report critical safety incidents within 72 hours, and publicly disclose system risks. The announcement identifies no procurement or funding opportunity, but it is relevant to contractors providing AI products or services to Illinois because the law may affect their obligations depending on coverage.

- AI companies covered by the Illinois law must account for its risk frameworks, annual audits, 72-hour incident reporting, and public risk disclosures.
- Contractors should assess whether their AI systems or services fall within the law’s scope and whether their existing audit and incident-reporting processes support the stated requirements.
- The announcement describes a state policy development, not a new solicitation or award; it also points to potential future federal and international safeguards without specifying proposals or timelines.
- Governor Pritzker said: “The success of nearly every breakthrough in our history has proven that strong safeguards and sensible guardrails are not a threat to our progress – they are essential.”

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- State of Illinois
- Illinois AI Cabinet

### Key Quotes
> The success of nearly every breakthrough in our history has proven that strong safeguards and sensible guardrails are not a threat to our progress – they are essential.
> — JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

### Sources
- [The State of Illinois Newsroom](https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-calls-for-urgent-ai-safety-action-in-new-op-ed) - IL