Ellman bill to ensure fair access to digital discounts

SPRINGFIELD – Digital coupons have become more common; however, not all consumers can easily access them. State Senator Laura Ellman is combatting this with House Bill 45 to ensure eligible consumers receive the benefits of digital promotions when they meet the stated terms.

“People shouldn’t miss out on savings because a promotion isn’t accessible,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If it’s offered, it should be usable to all, especially when a digital coupon can make a difference when buying in bulk with increasing grocery prices.”

House Bill 45 would require retailers offering digital promotions to provide a way for eligible consumers to redeem them, including options like automatic discounts, point-of-sale assistance, QR codes or receipt submission. Additionally, the proposed measure would preserve flexibility for businesses and would not require paper coupons or changes to loyalty programs.

Read more: Ellman bill to ensure fair access to digital discounts

Guzmán cracks down on landlords and AI corporations

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of sky-high rental costs in Chicago and across Illinois, Senator Graciela Guzmán is working to crack down on price fixing schemes landlords conduct using AI algorithms.

“This measure is about restoring fairness, transparency and accountability to our housing market by cracking down on AI-driven rent fixing schemes that undermine competition and exploit renters,” said Guzmán. “I’m proud to have worked alongside partners at the city, state and local levels to confront the growing abuse of algorithmic pricing tools and put people ahead of corporate greed.” 

Read more: Guzmán cracks down on landlords and AI corporations

Martwick advances measure to keep artificial intelligence from grading student work

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick has advanced legislation that would require students be graded by teachers and not artificial intelligence.

“We are navigating a new frontier of artificial intelligence,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “It is incumbent on us to ensure that there are guardrails to ensure the people of Illinois have baseline consumer protections and privacy they deserve in a rapidly changing environment. It is essential for us to provide protections to students in educational settings.”

Senate Bill 416 would prohibit teachers from using artificial intelligence to grade a student’s work. It requires that any other use of AI in a classroom setting be approved by the schoolboard.

Read more: Martwick advances measure to keep artificial intelligence from grading student work

Cunningham measure expands opportunities for deputy sheriff recruitment

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced legislation that would help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain qualified deputy sheriffs.

“Departments across the state are facing ongoing staffing shortages, and we need to make sure qualified young adults have a pathway into public service careers,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation helps modernize recruitment standards while maintaining important training and probationary requirements.”

Senate Bill 1700 would maintain the current minimum age requirement of 21 years old for county police officers, while allowing individuals to serve beginning at age 20 if they have completed two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university. The measure would also allow correctional officers and full-time deputy sheriffs not employed as county police officers to be appointed beginning at age 18.

Read more: Cunningham measure expands opportunities for deputy sheriff recruitment