Illinois is creating a new Artificial Intelligence Cabinet tasked with assessing AI-related risks and recommending ways the state can protect residents, public infrastructure and government systems.
Gov. JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2026-07 on Sept. 22 establishing the cabinet, which will bring together state officials and outside experts in areas including cybersecurity, data privacy, ethics, law and technology. Pritzker is required to appoint its members within 30 days.
The cabinet will advise state agencies on managing AI risks, preparing for AI-related incidents and protecting public assets such as government buildings, water and education systems and information infrastructure. It will also examine potential regulatory measures the state could pursue.
Those possibilities include tying data center tax incentives, permits or operating approvals to safety, accountability and transparency requirements. The cabinet will also study the energy demands AI data centers place on Illinois’ electric grid and ratepayers and consider incorporating AI standards into state procurement and contracting.
Another assignment is evaluating whether existing legal remedies adequately hold AI companies accountable for harms caused by their systems. For each policy recommendation, the cabinet is directed to assess feasibility, implementation timelines and potential challenges.
The executive order comes as Illinois expands its efforts to regulate artificial intelligence. Pritzker previously signed the state’s AI Safety Measures Act, which requires covered AI companies to establish risk-mitigation frameworks, undergo annual independent third-party audits and report critical safety incidents within 72 hours, according to the executive order.
The new cabinet will include senior officials from the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois State Police, Department of Public Health and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Outside members will include academic and other experts who can advise the state on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, privacy, ethical uses of AI, legal frameworks and security and governance standards. Members will serve without compensation, and Pritzker will designate a chair and may appoint a co-chair.
The cabinet will also analyze emerging AI incidents and use lessons from those events to recommend ways Illinois agencies and infrastructure operators can prepare for future threats. The Department of Innovation and Technology will provide administrative support.
The cabinet is temporary under the executive order and must sunset no later than Dec. 31, 2027.
Photo by Harris Rigorad from Pexels
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