Technology

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.

Amends the Search and Seizure Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that telecommunications carriers shall return all electronic instruments, articles, or things within 36 hours if the search warrant was issued pursuant to an investigation of a forcible felony.

Creates the Drone Safety and Interference Prevention Act. Creates the offenses of (1) unlawful imaging of an emergency response activity; (2) unlawful operation over critical infrastructure facilities; and (3) unlawful operation of a drone over a correctional institution or facility. Defines these offenses and establishes penalties. Provides that a private person or entity operating a drone in the State is prohibited from equipping or using on the drone any firearm, weaponized laser, kinetic impact projectile, chemical agent or irritant, or any other lethal or non-lethal weapon. Provides that a law enforcement officer may seize a drone and any attached equipment, including any image-capturing devices, storage media, or weapons, if the officer has probable cause to believe the drone was used or operated in violation of the Act. Provides that any drone or equipment seized under the Act is subject to forfeiture in accordance with the Criminal Code of 2012 and the Forfeiture Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, as applicable. Provides that the State may use forfeited drones and equipment for law enforcement purposes, including training and counter-drone operations. Provides that prior to forfeiture, the court shall provide notice and an opportunity for hearing to the owner or operator of the drone, unless the drone was abandoned or unclaimed. Provides that, if the court determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the drone was used in violation of the Act, the drone shall be forfeited to the State. Provides that any images or data seized under the provision shall be retained only if there is a reasonable suspicion they contain evidence of a crime. Provides that all other data must be deleted within 30 days unless relevant to an ongoing investigation. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, any law enforcement agency or any officers or agents of those entities that are acting reasonably and in good faith to enforce the Act are not civilly liable for damage to or loss of a drone, except for willful or wanton misconduct. Provides that the Act shall be enforced by State and local law enforcement agencies. Provides that enforcement data under the Act shall be reported through the Illinois State Police's existing Uniform Crime Reporting program. Contains a severability provision. Effective January 1, 2027.

Creates the Meaningful Human Control of Artificial Intelligence Act. Provides that a public employer, including a contractor or subcontractor of the public employer, shall not use or apply, or authorize any procurement, purchase, or acquisition of any service or system using or relying on any automated decision-making system, directly or indirectly, without meaningful and continuing human review when performing specified functions. Provides that an employer seeking to use or apply an automated decision-making system shall conduct an initial impact assessment and an additional impact assessments at least once every 2 years and prior to any material changes to the automated decision-making system. Sets forth provisions concerning anti-retaliation; enforcement by the Department of Labor; and private rights of action.

Creates the Protection of Neural Data Act. Requires any nonmedical person or organization using or facilitating neural devices to access individuals' neural data to publicly post all user agreements and privacy terms on their website and clearly disclose to individuals the health and safety risks associated with the device. Prohibits a covered entity from storing, retaining, or transferring an individual's neural data unless the individual consents. Requires that covered entities must delete all neural data in their possession and instruct all third party recipients to do the same within 30 days of an individual's retracting of consent. Authorizes the Attorney General and State's Attorneys to enforce the Act. Makes violation of this Act a Class 1 misdemeanor Creates a civil cause of action for violation and a presumption of at least $10,000 in damages for unauthorized transfer of neural data.

Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employer enrolled in an Employment Eligibility Verification System, including the E-Verify program, shall not impose work authorization verification or re-verification requirements greater than those required by the Employment Eligibility Verification System. Provides that, if an employer receives notification from any federal agency or other outside third party not responsible for the enforcement of immigration law of a discrepancy as it relates to an employee's individual taxpayer identification number or other identifying documents, guarantees specified rights and protections to the employee. Makes changes in provisions concerning the administration and enforcement of the Act by the Department of Labor. Sets forth provisions concerning action for civil penalties brought by an interested party; private right of action; penalties; and review under the Administrative Review Law.