SPRINGFIELD — Teachers in Illinois community colleges will see stronger job protections from artificial intelligence thanks to a new law led by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“The job our teachers do in the classroom is irreplaceable,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “AI cannot build the welcoming learning environments or trusting relationships that our teachers can with students. Our students learn best when they know their teacher is invested in their growth.”

The new law prevents public community colleges from using artificial intelligence in place of a teacher as the sole source of instruction for a community college course. It does not prevent teachers from using AI as a tool to incorporate into their classroom, which according to CNBC, almost 50% do.

Schools around the country have experimented with integrating AI into their coursework. In 2023, Harvard University announced they would be using an AI teaching assistant and in 2024, Unbound Academy, an Arizona school, was approved to teach virtually using only AI instructors.

“I recognize the importance of AI as a tool for our teachers,” said Porfirio. “This measure ensures that AI will still be available for our teachers as a tool, but is not a threat to their jobs.”

House Bill 1859 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.