Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

Ellman advances AI companion safety bill to protect youth and vulnerable users

Details: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 03:15 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and 25-34 in the United States, underscoring growing concerns about the role online platforms and AI systems can play in vulnerable users’ mental health crises. To increase protections aimed at preventing self-harm, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation to establish safety standards for artificial intelligence companion chatbots, including sexually explicit interactions with minors.

“As artificial intelligence becomes more personal and conversational, we have a responsibility to ensure these systems are not exploiting vulnerability or putting users, especially young people, in harm’s way,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “AI companions are being marketed as emotional supports and trusted confidants, but without safeguards, these systems can reinforce dangerous behavior or fail to intervene during moments of crisis.”

Ellman measure aims to protect privacy, modernizes ID gender marker policy

Details: Thursday, May 07, 2026 08:53 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – Accurate gender identification is essential for daily life, yet, for many transgender individuals, barriers remain. To strengthen privacy protections, State Senator Laura Ellman is advancing House Bill 5095 to codify Illinois’ existing policy, allowing gender marker updates on IDs through self-attestation.

“An ID should never put someone in a vulnerable position,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This ensures people can safely and accurately reflect who they are.”

Ellman measure to update CPR training, improve emergency response outcomes

Details: Tuesday, May 05, 2026 04:30 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – According to the American Heart Association, women are 27% less likely than men to receive bystander CPR, often due to hesitation or misconceptions about performing aid. To address this, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a new initiative at improving CPR training in Illinois school.

“Students should feel confident stepping in during an emergency, no matter who needs help,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “When someone’s life is on the line, hesitation can cost everything. More inclusive, realistic CPR training helps people act quickly and save lives.”

Ellman highlights need to fully fund Healthy School Meals for All Program

Details: Thursday, April 30, 2026 10:45 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, more than 1.9 million residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the majority of those benefits going to households with children, underscoring the critical need for consistent access to food both at home and at school. With nearly half of students already depending on free school meals, State Senator Laura Ellman is calling for stronger state investment in student nutrition.

“Funding free school lunches can fill the gaps that are opening for schools as SNAP benefits are increasingly cut at an alarming rate,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Funding school lunch could be a way to stretch state dollars while feeding kids in need.”

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