Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills, cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced House Bill 4577 to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.”

CHICAGO – Senator Mary Edly-Allen’s landmark law, the first of its kind in the country, was signed into law, aiming to establish safety standards and transparency requirements for the largest artificial intelligence (AI) developers.

“This bipartisan law is about putting responsible safeguards in place before a preventable catastrophe occurs. Illinois has an opportunity to lead the nation by setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability and public safety,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “While artificial intelligence holds extraordinary promises from curing disease to transforming scientific research, we have a responsibility to confront the catastrophic risks associated with the systems.”

Senate Bill 315 requires large frontier AI developers, companies developing advanced models such as ChatGPT and Claude, to assess catastrophic risks, report critical safety incidents, undergo independent third-party audits and establish whistleblower protections for employees raising safety concerns.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced legislation Thursday to establish safety standards and transparency requirements for the largest artificial intelligence developers as AI systems become increasingly integrated into critical infrastructure, cybersecurity and public safety operations.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and is like the ‘Wild Wild West’ with little to no guardrails in place. This bill balances the great promise of AI with its possible peril,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This measure is about putting responsible safeguards in place before a preventable catastrophe occurs. Illinois has an opportunity to lead the nation by setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability and public safety.”

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills, cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced legislation to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning,”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced legislation through the Senate aimed at improving how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced legislation Wednesday to establish safety standards and transparency requirements for the largest artificial intelligence developers as AI systems become increasingly integrated into critical infrastructure, cybersecurity and public safety operations.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and is like the ‘Wild Wild West’ with little to no guardrails in place. While these tools can create opportunities, they also come with serious risks if left unchecked,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This measure is about putting responsible safeguards in place before a preventable catastrophe occurs. Illinois has an opportunity to lead the nation by setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability and public safety.”

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills and cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is working to advance new legislation to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success.”

House Bill 4577 would define “play-based learning,” “guided play,” and “student-initiated play” in state law, providing clearer guidance to schools and educators as they implement developmentally appropriate instruction for young learners.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is advancing new legislation aimed to improve how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.