Governor puts out five-year growth plan
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-year growth plan for the state of Illinois is out. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says the plan focuses on growth sectors like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, next-generation agriculture, and business climate improvements while promoting equitable growth and building out of “the new clean energy economy.” The plan can be found at DCEO’s website.
Pritzker signs bill for state’s official mushroom into law
The “giant puffball” is now the official mushroom for the state of Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced he signed Senate Bill 3514 on Monday. Legislators approved the measure to name Calvatia gigantea as the official fungus after an initiative led by elementary students from Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton. Pritzker said the puffball will stand as a testament to the curiosity and determination of bright students in the state.
New AI law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026
Several new laws among the more than 260 bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Friday impact artificial intelligence. One measure effective Jan. 1, 2026, protects employees from discrimination from using AI in the workplace. Another protects preforms from unauthorized use of AI. A third clarifies that the state’s child pornography laws apply to images and videos created by AI.
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