Pritzker signs executive order establishing Illinois Artificial Intelligence Cabinet - WPSD Local 6

CHICAGO, Ill. — Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order on Tuesday to establish the Illinois Artificial Intelligence Cabinet, which will assess the risks AI can pose to the safety of Illinoisans.

The cabinet will advise state government on preparing for and responding to AI-related incidents, identifying safeguards for public assets and infrastructure, and evaluating additional steps Illinois can take to strengthen AI safety and accountability, the governor's office stated.

According to Pritzker's office, the cabinet will include experts from academia, law, ethics, governance and more, with leaders from the Department of Innovation and Technology, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Illinois Commerce Commission, the Illinois State Police, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In the coming weeks, Pritzker will announce appointed members of the cabinet, his office stated.

"Governor Pritzker's formation of an AI Cabinet will bring together experts from several of our state agencies to assess the risks of artificial intelligence and regulating it accordingly," said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. "This is not a problem that can be kicked down the road and I'm proud that Illinois is prioritizing this issue. Together, we’ll find new ways to innovate while protecting our people at every turn."

The executive order follows the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, which Pritzker signed in July. His office stated that the executive order comes in response to the lack of federal action amidst the resignation of a whistleblower within the AI industry.

“Artificial Intelligence has enormous potential to transform our everyday lives, but when experts and industry leaders sound the alarm bell, urge us to slow down, and ask for guardrails, we should listen,” said Pritzker. “Illinois has already enacted nation-leading laws that hold Big Tech accountable and today I’m taking executive action to keep this a priority. Congress and the White House need to treat AI risks with urgency, but in the meantime, Illinois won’t wait because it is our foremost responsibility to prepare and protect Illinoisians.”

According to the governor's office, the cabinet will focus on the following:

- Cross‑Sector Expertise & Strategic Guidance- Provide cross‑sector expertise to develop comprehensive recommendations on AI safety, risk management, and regulation.

- Make timely policy recommendations to Illinois state agencies and government bodies based on current information about AI risks and best practices.

- Safety of Residents & Incident Preparedness- Develop policies and procedures to prepare for, prevent, and respond to AI‑related incidents that may impact the safety of Illinois residents.

- Analyze emerging AI incidents and share lessons learned to strengthen statewide preparedness and response.

- Protection of Public Assets & Infrastructure- Create policies and procedures to safeguard public assets—including public buildings, water systems, education systems, and information infrastructure—from AI‑driven threats.

- Feasibility & Policy Evaluation- Assess the feasibility, timelines, and potential challenges associated with recommended AI policy measures.

- Evaluate the feasibility of potential state regulatory actions, including:- Conditioning data‑center tax incentives, permits, or operational approvals on meeting safety, accountability, and transparency standards.

- Addressing the energy burden AI data centers place on the Illinois grid and ratepayers, including impacts through PJM Interconnection.

- Incorporating AI safety and accountability standards into state procurement and contracting processes.

- Assessing whether a strict‑liability framework for AI‑caused harm is an appropriate mechanism for holding AI companies accountable.

The full executive order can be found below: