Welcome to Senator Christopher Belt's legislative website

Illinois bans AI use for teacher evaluations

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt spearheaded a new law that will ban the use of AI tools in teacher evaluations.

“I believe that our teachers should be judged based on actual observations and professional judgement, not by AI software,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Our educators deserve a transparent and fair evaluation process that demonstrates their actual work in the classroom and protects their privacy.”

Senate Bill 2909 will prevent school administrators from using AI to write teacher evaluations. A teacher evaluation is a formal process used to measure an educator's effectiveness, instructional skills and classroom performance. The use of AI while writing these evaluations brings up many transparency and privacy concerns for teachers.

The law recognizes that AI might become an integral part of the teacher evaluation process one day, but the technology is not there yet. The law will not stop evaluators from using AI for administrative tasks. If the evaluator chooses to use AI assisted tools, they must name and specify the purpose of the tool used in the evaluation and share that information with the teacher being evaluated.

Senate Bill 2909 was signed into law on Friday.

Belt secures over $800,000 for Metro East libraries

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt announced 31 public libraries and school districts across the Metro East are set to receive more than $800,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“Libraries are places where no one is turned away,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Whether you seek knowledge or a place to feel a part of something, libraries will always be there to help you along the way.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Read more: Belt secures over $800,000 for Metro East libraries

Belt kicks off 2026 Summer Book Club

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt is launching a Summer Reading Club for students to encourage continued learning throughout the summer.

“It’s important to keep kids engaged throughout the summer through reading, and it’s important for kids to become stronger readers to succeed in school and life,” said Belt (D-Swansea).

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Belt’s Swansea office or East St. Louis office by Aug. 14. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Belt.

You can fill out the Summer Book Club forms online at SenatorBelt.com. People with questions can reach out to Belt’s East St. Louis office at 618-875-1212 or Swansea office at 618-416-2452.

Belt advances measure to protect consumers’ ability to pay with cash

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500.

“For many Illinois residents, cash remains a dependable and necessary way to pay for everyday purchases,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “People deserve the freedom to choose how they pay.”

Read more: Belt advances measure to protect consumers’ ability to pay with cash