Starting January 1, 2027, Frontier AI developers must undergo annual independent audits and publicly document how they manage catastrophic AI risks. 

Illinois became the first state to require annual independent third-party audits of frontier AI developers after Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 315, the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, into law on Monday.

The law establishes new safety and transparency requirements for the largest developers of frontier AI models that pose catastrophic risks. Most notably, Illinois becomes the first state to require covered developers to undergo annual independent third-party audits of their AI safety practices. The law also requires companies to publicly explain how they manage catastrophic AI risks and disclose significant AI safety incidents, while providing protections for employees who report AI safety concerns.

SB 315 was introduced earlier this year and moved through committee hearings and amendments before passing the Illinois Senate in May. The bill then cleared the House of Representatives in late June with bipartisan support, sending it to Governor JB Pritzker for his signature.

Governor JB Pritzker said the state has a responsibility to establish safeguards as AI systems become more powerful while continuing to support innovation. “People want protections from the risks of AI and Illinois is stepping up with a bipartisan, first- and most-protective-in-the-nation law,” Pritzker said.

The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.