The Technology Council seeks to aggressively and proactively promote the interests of the Illinois technology community by advocating for public policy that fosters innovation and promotes economic growth. The Council will seek to promote workforce development policies, advocate for world-class technology infrastructure, avoid overregulation on the industry and support innovators access to the capital they need to grow.
Hello, hope you bought some GameStop last week. I am not sure what 90s or early 2000s trend the market wants to bring back next week but may I suggest Blackberry Messenger? I miss the BBMs. New format for next week?
New Technology Chair in the House
The House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics & IT Committee will be chaired this next session by Representative Lamont Robinson, Jr. This is the first committee chaired by Representative Robinson, a small business owner and insurance agent from Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. The Chamber plans to reach out to Representative Robinson to schedule a meeting soon.
Former Chair, Representative Andrade has been elevated to Assistant Majority Leader and will lead his caucus' communication efforts. Representative Andrade was a great tech chair and we hope Representative Robinson will follow his example.
Data Center Tax Incentive Clean up
The Illinois Chamber is working with a coalition which includes the Chicagoland Chamber and Tech Council Member (and kitchen builder extraordinaire) James Sherwood of McGuireWoods. The idea is a few small changes to make the law easier both to implement for DCEO and for data centers to utilize. We are looking to change the definition of "qualifying data center" to remove the operation and maintenance requirement and clarify the wage threshold. We would also like to expand the amount of time to obtain the requisite green certification. We expect Senator Sims will carry the legislation and I will share a draft with you as soon as we have it. Thank you to the members that have reached out on this issue already and I'd still welcome feedback from those I have yet to hear from.
Legislation of Interest
HB 50 (Andrade)- Creates the Anti-Click Gambling Data Analytics Collection Act. Provides that no entity that operates a remote gambling platform or a subsidiary of the entity shall collect data from a participant with the intent to predict how the participant will gamble in a particular gambling or betting scenario.
HB 53 (Andrade)- Amends the Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act. Provides that employers that rely solely upon artificial intelligence to determine whether an applicant will qualify for an in-person interview must gather and report certain demographic information to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Requires the Department to analyze the data and report to the Governor and General Assembly whether the data discloses a racial bias in the use of artificial intelligence.
