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SPRINGFIELD – Championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a new law will expand cyberbullying protections to include artificial intelligence and deepfake imagery created with AI in schools across the state.

“We are tackling cyberbullying and AI in schools so our state’s protections for children keep pace with this evolving technology,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Access to generative AI software is more widespread than ever before and protecting our students is the top priority. We must ensure students know the repercussions of using AI inappropriately and support those who are victims of cyberbullying.”

Signed into law in 2025, Loughran Cappel’s House Bill 3851 responds to increased incidents of bullying among children and teens using AI and digitally altered images. The law expands the definitions of bullying and cyberbullying to include the posting and distribution of unauthorized digital replicas, specifically if the action creates an effect that falls under the school’s bullying code. Additionally, using a classmate’s image in any form to depict them offensively without their consent is considered cyberbullying under the law. Consensual use of AI in the classroom does not constitute bullying under House Bill 3851.

“AI, although a tool, can be used in a damaging manner,” said Loughran Cappel. “This law will create peace of mind for both students and their families that Illinois’ schools have protections in place against all types of bullying – whether in-person, online or via AI.”

House Bill 3851 takes effect July 1.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision for the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee special education:

“The Trump Administration continues to make reckless decisions to dismantle the Department of Education, directly affecting students across the country. The Department of Health and Human Services overseeing special education will hurt our students. HHS lacks the educational infrastructure needed to continue supporting families and students with disabilities who rely on these essential services from the federal government. This transition will place too many services under one umbrella, leading to less overall support for both students with disabilities and students in need of IEPs to get the critical resources they need.

“The priorities of this administration are becoming more and more clear: they want to hurt our most vulnerable populations. This is an insult that will have a lasting effect on our students. As a former special education teacher who spent 15 years in the classroom, I’m not only angry, I’m also disgusted. When will the Trump Administration stop hurting our kids? Enough is enough.”

JOLIET – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will host a Coffee with Cappel event in Joliet next month, where residents are invited to join her for a cup of coffee and discussions about issues important to the community.

“One of the best parts of my job is hearing what members of our community care about,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Learning about the issues people face and how I can better support residents helps me serve you – the people of the 49th District.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Monday: