Author: Office of Maura Hirschauer

Gong-Gershowitz-Led AI Working Group Discusses Consumer Protection, Responsible Innovation

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

CHICAGO – The House Democratic AI Working Group, chaired by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, held a subject matter hearing on Monday, May 4, to discuss efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in order to protect consumers and safeguard elections in Illinois.

“These discussions are about protecting consumers and ensuring fairness in our state’s liability statutes,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “AI-powered technologies are no longer simply an emerging technology, they’re impacting almost every aspect of our lives right now.”

Four bills were discussed during the hearing, all pertaining to AI regulation and consumer protection.

Gong-Gershowitz’s House Bill 4557 would create the Digital Forgeries in Politics Act, which places new disclosure requirements on the use of digital manipulation in images, video and audio in political advertising. 

“When voters can no longer trust what they see and hear, democracy itself is at risk,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “AI-generated deepfakes of political candidates and elected officials are not a distant threat — they are already being weaponized to deceive the public, suppress participation and undermine elections. HB4557 draws a clear line: if you use artificial intelligence to fabricate the words or likeness of a political figure to deceive voters, there will be consequences. Illinoisans deserve to make their voices heard based on facts.”

House Bill 5044, also by Gong-Gershowitz, would create the Chatbot Provider Liability Act, defining chatbots as products and establishing that providers have a duty to ensure that the use of a chatbot does not cause injury to a user.

“We have always held manufacturers accountable when their products cause serious harm — and an AI chatbot is a product,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “When companies deploy these systems knowing they have the potential to deceive, manipulate or injure the people who interact with them, they should be held to exactly the same standard we apply to any other dangerous product under Illinois law,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “This legislation closes a loophole that Big Tech has been counting on. If your chatbot causes real harm, you bear real responsibility — full stop.”

State Rep. Daniel Didech’s House Bill 4705 would create the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act, requiring frontier AI developers and large chatbot providers to create a public safety and child protection plan.

“The pace of AI development and the capabilities of frontier models are accelerating, and the General Assembly has an obligation to ensure that Illinois residents are protected from catastrophic outcomes,” Didech said. “This legislation puts enforceable guardrails in place so Big Tech companies must prioritize safety, be transparent about the risks tied to their systems and take responsibility for preventing serious harm, especially when it comes to protecting children.”

State Rep. Maura Hirschauer’s House Bill 5756, would create the Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act, requiring online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on a user’s personal data.

“House Bill 5756 prioritizes transparency and fairness,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation makes clear that pricing powered by personal data cannot happen in the shadows. By requiring disclosure, banning the use of sensitive information, and guaranteeing an opt-out, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the marketplace.”

The House Democratic AI Working Group was established by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch earlier this year in order to launch a multifaceted approach to AI policy in Illinois.

Rep Jennifer Gong-GershowitzRep Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

(D-Glenview)
17th District

Visit Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz’s website

Springfield Office:
248-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-4194

District Office:
1812 Waukegan Road, Suite B
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 486-8810

Hirschauer Passes Bill Empowering Young Voters, Inspired by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Bill Empowering Young Voters, Inspired by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, helped pass a bill encouraging and expanding access to youth civic engagement. It requires high schools to provide voter registration opportunities and information and is inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

“The future of our democracy depends on the voice of our young voters, that’s why it’s important that schools provide the opportunity for them to register to vote,” said Hirschauer. “Empowering young voters to become essential members of their communities by providing them with information on how they can register and why it matters is crucial to send them towards the path of adulthood.”

House Bill 4339, also known as the Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, ensures that all public high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register to vote. This opportunity will take place during the school day in an accessible and nonpartisan environment. Registering to vote can be complicated, especially for first-time voters. This bill will give high schoolers a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take steps towards civic engagement.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. famously said, “On that graduation day or night, we must put a diploma in one hand symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and put a voter registration card in that other hand symbolizing power and responsibility.” This bill honors Rev. Jackson, Sr. and his dedication to equal rights and public service.

“Every U.S. citizen has the fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy. Voters have the power and responsibility to vote for someone who represents their morals, values, and community needs. That’s why it is important for young voters to be taught, and given, those fundamentals before graduating from high school,” said Hirschauer.

House Bill 4339 passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Bill Targets Tracking Data, Protecting Consumers From Price Increases

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Targets Tracking Data, Protecting Consumers From Price Increases

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new bill led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, would require online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on prior browsing history and demographic information inferred by a consumer’s digital footprint.

“HB 4248 is about drawing a clear line: no more secret pricing games. If companies are using your personal data to charge you more, you have a right to know—and a right to say no. This bill forces transparency, bans the use of deeply personal characteristics, and cracks down on deceptive tactics designed to trick consumers. It protects real choice, real fairness, and real accountability. HB 4248 makes it clear: in Illinois, consumers come first.”

With the growing consumer preference for mobile shopping, retailers are increasingly collecting data from online shoppers. Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4248 which would create standards for businesses utilizing surveillance pricing. The measure would require online businesses to provide a clear disclosure when they are using the consumer’s personal information or search history to dictate the cost of a good or service. The bill would further allow consumers to opt-out and pay a baseline price. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of sensitive personal information, like race, religion and immigration status, to determine pricing.

House Bill 4248 is now on second reading and awaits a vote on the House floor.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, passed legislation out of the Revenue and Finance Committee that would incentivize the purchase of firearm safety devices including gun safes, lock boxes, or any device that is secured by a key or combination.

“The best and most effective gun violence prevention policies are based on common sense with input from responsible gun owners,” said Hirschauer. “Advancements in biometric technology allow firearm owners to prioritize the ability to secure their firearms without sacrificing quick access for reasons of self defense. We secure our phones with a fingerprint – imagine how effective this technology is for a small handgun safe in your car or bedside table.”

Hirschauer’s House Bill 1790 would create the Safe Storage Tax Credit, which would make it easier for gun owners to purchase firearm safety devices by creating a new tax credit, for up to $300 per year.

“It is on all of us to keep our families and communities safe by practicing safe gun ownership and locking all firearms in the home,” said Hirschauer. “Many gun deaths are preventable with simple and commonsense safety measures.”

House Bill 1790 is advancing to the House Floor for consideration.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Introduces Bill That Would Create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Introduces Bill That Would Create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, introduced legislation that would establish a grant program for the restoration or replacement of natural resources that have been damaged resulting from court settlements due to hazardous waste release, pollution events or long-term industrial contamination.

“As the federal government continues to cut down protections and funding for our natural resources, major corporations have taken the opportunity to disregard the health of our natural environment,” said Hirschauer. “This grant program would allow local government, environmental organizations and recognized tribes to help continue to restore and protect our wetlands, waterways, forest preserves and agricultural lands.”

Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4566, which would create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program. The grant program would be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant would not be awarded to applicants that are responsible for the damage of natural resources. 

Eligible applicants include:

  • Units of local government
  • Soil and water conservation districts
  • Area-wide agencies, including counties regional planning agencies, or both
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Public or private institutes of higher education
  • Port authorities
  • Federally recognized tribes. 

“The health of our environment directly affects our health, that’s why it is important that we, in the state of Illinois, provide grants to local organizations to help our natural environments thrive,” said Hirschauer. “A healthy natural environment means a healthier life.”

House Bill 4566 is out of committee and awaits further process.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer To Host Know Your Rights Town Hall March 10

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer To Host Know Your Rights Town Hall March 10

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is inviting residents to attend a virtual Know Your Rights Town Hall in partnership with State Representative Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Tuesday, March 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Know Your Rights Town Hall will focus on topics such as first amendment rights, civil rights overview, governor’s accountability commission information, best practices for engaging with law enforcement, discretionary decertification process and new complaint portal for Illinois law enforcement training and standards board. Constituents must RSVP in advance to receive the link to the meeting on March 10 at: https://forms.gle/QMXuX7R7Y2V1U5Cj8.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to provide our communities with resources to protect their constitutional rights from unlawful federal government actions,” said Hirschauer. “We need to empower our communities to speak up and protect their rights, and through this town hall, we are providing them with crucial knowledge and power.”

The Know Your Rights Town Hall will be held virtually. Community members interested in attending must RSVP prior to the event. 

For more information, please contact Rep. Moeller’s district office at (847) 841-7130 or email at staterepmoeller@gmail.com. 

WHO

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

WHAT

Know Your Rights Town Hall

WHEN

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE

Virtual
 

Attendees must RSVP in advance. 

RSVP: https://forms.gle/QMXuX7R7Y2V1U5Cj8  

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Freezing Congressionally-approved funding is not fiscal responsibility, it’s abandonment.

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Freezing Congressionally-approved funding is not fiscal responsibility, it’s abandonment.
(excerpts from video):

I am very proud to be the representative of West Chicago, a vibrant community in western DuPage County. In West Chicago we have a saying, “West Chicago has heart; West Chicago tiene corazón.” and in West Chicago we DO have heart: the beating heart of the community is our schools.

Our schools do more than educate: They feed hungry families, they provide mental health care, they create leadership opportunities for students and parents. They help solve transportation challenges. They support families facing food and housing instability. They truly wrap their arms around the whole child and the whole family. And because of that, they have earned trust in our community.

The reason West Chicago School District 33 has been able to provide these life-changing services is they receive federal Full Service Community Schools grant dollars. And let me tell you: those dollars are stretched, maximised, and poured directly back into children and families.

Then, just days before winter break, everything changed. The rug was ripped out from West Chicago.

Effective December 31, 2025, the Donald Trump administration froze $18,500,000 ($18.5M) in Full Service Community School Grants across Illinois. And over the past year, the US Department of Education has cancelled hundreds of grants, serving schools from Metropolis to Chicago. Schools that depend on this funding to serve our most vulnerable children.

These are not items on a spreadsheet. These are children, these are our families, and these are real lives. This is not just happening in West Chicago, it is happening from Southern Illinois all the way to Northern Illinois.

Let’s be clear: feeding a hungry child is not political. Providing mental health care is not ideological. Helping a student learn English is not controversial. And offering after-school tutoring is not radical. It is compassionate. It is responsible. And it is necessary.

This is not fiscal responsibility.
This is abandonment.

We call on Congress to release every single dollar of Congressionally-approved funding for Illinois children.

We are not turning our backs on our kids here in Illinois. If Washington refuses to stand up for our families, we will stand up for ourselves. We will fight for our schools. We will fight for our communities. And we will fight for every child’s and family’s right to opportunity. That’s whaty HB5362 and HB5363 are so important: so as a state we can continue to fund the good work that Illinois’ schools are doing. Because in Illinois we do not balance our budget on the backs of families and children.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Focusing on Budget that Invests in Affordable Future for Illinois Families

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Focusing on Budget that Invests in Affordable Future for Illinois Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, responded to the governor’s annual budget address on Wednesday, releasing a statement to establish her commitment to a state budget focused on families’ budgets.

“Since the federal administration has taken office, they have overwhelmed working-class families by increasing taxes, disinvesting in affordable healthcare, freezing funds for educational programs and cutting investments for childcare services. While we can’t reverse Washington’s failed policies or extreme cuts, we can take charge of what we can control.

“For the next couple of months, my colleagues and I will negotiate a compassionate and responsible state budget that invests in an affordable future for all Illinoisans. Our priorities will focus on bringing costs down for families to help them make ends meet. 

“I personally will focus on funding the Child Tax Credit, expanding Child Care Assistance, investing and funding education at every level and directing funding to food security resources for at-risk communities. 

“I will continue to work here in Springfield to make sure our future continues to be bright and strong for our constituents. I look forward to negotiating a compassionate budget worthy of our community.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Bill Aims to Establish POW/MIA Recognition Day

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Aims to Establish POW/MIA Recognition Day

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is working to honor service members who never returned home with new legislation creating a commemorative day for Prisoners of War (POW) and those declared as Missing in Action (MIA) during their service to the United States.

“Our communities thrive because others answered the call to serve. We remember with deepest gratitude those who never returned, the missing and the captured, whose sacrifice remains unfinished in our hearts,” said Hirschauer. “It is especially important to the family members of those missing and captured that we keep the memories of their loved ones alive through an annual recognition day.”

Hirschauer’s House Bill 4309 commemorates the third Friday of September each year with a POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. This official proclamation will call the public to reflect on the sacrifices made by United States armed forces, especially those who were held as prisoners in foreign countries or who have been designated as missing in action during war or hostile times. The bill also recognizes the resolve of family and friends who continue to seek the fullest possible accounting for missing loved ones.

“More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for from the United States with over 4,000 of those soldiers from Illinois. That’s why, it is crucial that as a state, we make sure our communities don’t forget our service members who answered our country’s call to action and were never able to come back home, said Hirschauer. “Their lives and sacrifices need to be honored and remembered in our history.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus Lays Out 2026 State Budget Priorities

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus Lays Out 2026 State Budget Priorities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In advance of Gov. JB Pritzker’s 2026 Budget Address, the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus released this statement outlining their budget priorities for promoting equity and opportunity despite attacks from the federal government:

“Major priorities for our caucus during the budget crafting process will include defending the rights of women, children and vulnerable communities, and promoting a future where privacy for women seeking an abortion is not at-risk, where women living under threat of domestic abuse have an economic safety net to support them if they leave, where single moms don’t have to work non-stop to afford childcare and where every woman can live a life of equity and opportunity,” said Caucus Chair, state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights. “Our caucus will not stand by while the Trump Administration targets millions of women with a misogynistic agenda designed to strip essential rights from women and claw back decades of progress for women and families.”

“At a moment when Washington is advancing cruel and reckless cuts, Illinois must lead with compassion and responsibility,” said Caucus Treasurer, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. “The IHDWC budget priorities are clear: protect access to healthcare so families can see a doctor, safeguard SNAP so no child goes hungry and preserve childcare subsidies so working parents can stay in the workforce. We refuse to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Illinois Democrats will continue to invest in people, stabilize communities and mitigate the real harm caused by extreme federal policies.”

“As we begin the budget process, we are committed to working relentlessly to ensure that the programs and legislation that support women and children receive the critical funding they need to succeed,” said Caucus Secretary, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake. “Illinois has a long and proud history of strengthening and protecting women’s rights, and we intend to build on that legacy. Despite the noise and chaos at the federal level, the women of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus remain laser focused on advancing policies that uplift the women, children and families of our state.”

“The Women’s Caucus remains committed to protecting the rights we’ve worked tirelessly to secure, especially in an anything-but-ordinary year where the current administration continually seeks to undermine them. It is also vitally important that we continue to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens—children, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and low-income seniors,” said Caucus Vice-Chair, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville. “With the uncertainty surrounding federal dollars, it’s vital that the state utilize our resources to the best of our ability without undermining or losing ground on all the important work we’ve done the past several years.”