Welch, House Democrats Advance Major Reforms to Hold Big Tech Accountable

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and House Democrats are holding big tech companies accountable, putting measures on the governor’s desk to strengthen oversight and accountability for rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) models, and cracking down on the addictive algorithms that keep kids glued to their phones.

“The advancements we’ve seen in just the past few years show the tremendous potential that new technology has to transform our economy, remove barriers, and create opportunity—but it also raises critical questions about everything from safety, to our economy, to mental health,” Welch said. “That’s why our approach to this technology is focused on the needs of people.”

Welch and members of the House Democratic AI Working Group passed Senate Bill 315, which requires large AI companies to implement comprehensive frameworks for transparency and harm reduction based on independent third-party reports.

People mistakenly turning to chatbots and other new AI applications for genuine companionship has led to unintended and even tragic consequences. Those dealing with mental health crises, for instance, have had dangerous thought patterns exacerbated by chatbots built to reinforce users’ inputs. No safety net is currently in place for scenarios where a crisis is apparent, including users expressing thoughts of self-harm. This legislation addresses those problems with a requirement that companies report safety risks within 72 hours, or 24 hours if the incident is deemed a risk of imminent death or harm.

Additionally, Welch and House Democrats spearheaded the creation of the Child Social Media Safety Act, banning the addictive algorithmic feeds that keep children glued to their screens. The measure passed the House with bipartisan support.

“Protecting users from manipulative technology is not a partisan issue, and these pieces of legislation have proven that,” said Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, who chairs the House AI Working Group. “Artificial intelligence and data-driven algorithms are no longer emerging technologies—they are already shaping nearly every aspect of our daily lives. As legislators, it is our responsibility to adapt our consumer protection laws now, before the harms outpace our ability to respond.”