Illinois is becoming a battleground for how frontier AI developers should be held accountable after AI-related catastrophes. OpenAI and Anthropic are backing opposing legislative approaches in the state’s General Assembly, with their positions reflecting the companies’ broader disagreement over AI safety, transparency, and corporate liability. OpenAI supports SB 3444, which would shield frontier AI developers from liability in cases involving death or serious injury to large groups or major property damage if harm was not intentionally or recklessly caused. Anthropic opposes the proposal, describing it as a “get-out-of-jail-free card” and pushing for a different approach. Anthropic supports SB 3261, which would require frontier AI developers to publish a public safety and child protection plan and create an incident reporting system for “catastrophic risk” events. Experts told reporters SB 3444 is unlikely to pass due to its enforcement weakness, while Illinois remains positioned as a leader on AI regulation.