SPRINGFIELD - In response to the growing trend of bullying that uses artificial intelligence to create and distribute sexually explicit materials, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a bill through committee that further expands the definition of cyberbullying and addresses the use of bullying by artificial intelligence in the school code.

"With artificial intelligence on the rise, we are seeing a lot more cyberbullying scenarios that deal with altered, harmful images," said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). "It's essential for our students and families to know that although there may be good uses for AI, it can also be a harmful tool and there will be consequences for students if it's used inappropriately."

House Bill 3851 would further extend the definition of bullying and clarify that cyberbullying includes the posting or distribution of unauthorized digital replicas, if the action creates any of the effects stated in the definition of "bullying" within the school code. Under the bill, a student who uses another student's photo to depict them offensively without permission would be considered cyberbullying. However, classroom uses of AI that involve consent would not constitute as bullying.

The legislation is a response to a growing number of national and local reports of these types of AI programs being used to create vulgar and demeaning images.

"Digitally manipulated photos can devastate students' mental health," said Loughran Cappel. "This legislation ensures our state laws and school policies designed to protect students don't fall behind the latest technology."

House Bill 3851 passed the Senate Executive Committee with bipartisan support Wednesday.