Illinois Lawmakers Pass Key Legislation on AI, School Bus Safety, and Food Allergens
The Illinois Senate has given its approval to several significant bills, including measures to limit AI instruction at community colleges, require seat belts on new school buses, and mandate food allergen training for food handlers. These legislative developments aim to address various concerns ranging from educational quality to public safety.
Restrictions on AI Instruction at Community Colleges
Lawmakers approved a bill (House Bill 1859) that prohibits community colleges from using artificial intelligence programs as the sole source of instruction for students. While the bill doesn’t entirely ban AI as an instructional tool, it ensures that human faculty members remain the primary instructors. The measure passed the Senate with a vote of 46-12, despite some Republican objections. Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) expressed concerns that the bill might limit local community college boards’ flexibility in offering classes where human instructors are scarce. However, Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), the bill’s chief Senate sponsor, argued that the aim is to protect both students’ interests and the role of human instructors.
Mandatory Food Allergen Training for Food Handlers
The House unanimously passed Senate Bill 1288, which requires food handlers to undergo educational training on celiac disease and other food allergies. Sponsored by Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason), the bill aims to provide food handlers with more knowledge about food allergies and cross-contamination issues. The training will cover symptoms of celiac disease, ways to prevent cross-contamination, and allergies related to various food ingredients. Turner cited a personal experience at a restaurant where her gluten-free friend suffered from cross-contamination, highlighting the need for better training.
New School Buses to be Equipped with Seat Belts
Another bill (Senate Bill 191) that cleared the General Assembly requires all new school buses manufactured after 2031 to be equipped with lap and shoulder seat belts for all passengers. While the bill doesn’t mandate the use of seat belts by students, it ensures that new buses will have the necessary safety features. Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) noted that school buses are already considered safe, but this measure adds an extra layer of protection. The bill passed with a vote of 83-27 in the House.
These legislative measures now await further action, with some requiring the governor’s signature to become law. The passage of these bills reflects the ongoing efforts to improve educational quality, public safety, and consumer protection in Illinois.
