Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced the implementation of four new laws, effective January 1, which were initiated by his office. These laws focus on child protection, civil rights, workplace safety, and crime victim support.
“My office has continued to work with the General Assembly to develop legislation to protect children, increase access to state services and advocate for the rights of workers and marginalized communities,” Raoul stated. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and legislators in crafting policies that safeguard Illinois residents.
House Bill 4623 addresses the issue of child sexual abuse images created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). It prohibits AI-generated images that involve real children or obscene imagery. The bill was introduced by Raoul and sponsored by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen and Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz. The Attorney General’s office provided expert testimony on technological advances that enable realistic image creation, highlighting the harm these images cause.
Raoul’s office also operates the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with support from a U.S. Department of Justice grant.
House Bill 5371 aims to enhance civil rights protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). Sponsored by Sen. Laura Fine and Rep. Ann Williams, it clarifies terms like “per violation” for discriminatory practices and increases penalty amounts in pattern-and-practice determinations. It also codifies language from the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003 to prevent unjustified disparate impacts in real estate transactions.
House Bill 5561 seeks to protect workers from employer retaliation, expanding protections under state law through the Illinois Whistleblower Act. Sponsored by Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Marcus Evans, it broadens conduct definitions protected under whistleblower laws and includes provisions against blacklisting and immigration-based retaliation.
Senate Bill 3713 enhances access to the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program administered by Raoul’s office. Sponsored by Sen. Robert Peters and Rep. Maurice West II, it expands eligibility for victims of violent crime seeking reimbursement for expenses such as medical charges or relocation costs.
These legislative efforts reflect cooperative endeavors between Raoul’s office, various stakeholders including Ascend Justice, and advocacy groups like the Alliance for Safety and Justice.