12  ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER
CONNECTING
Illinois employers have walked 
away from this year’s New Laws 
Forum with a clearer understanding 
of the major legal and regulatory 
changes that defined 2025. The event 
brought together industry leaders, 
legal experts, and state officials who 
offered critical insights into state and 
federal developments, as well as the 
evolving role of artificial intelligence 
in the workplace.
	
The conference opened with 
Jordan Ryan of the Illinois Chamber 
of Commerce and Jeffrey Risch 
of Amundsen Davis, LLC, who 
delivered a comprehensive overview 
of significant state-level case law 
developments, statutory changes, 
and shifting administrative agency 
priorities. Their session highlighted 
the most consequential legislation 
to emerge from the 2025 Illinois 
General Assembly, while also offering 
a forward-looking perspective on 
what employers could expect in 2026. 
Attendees gained valuable insight 
into the Illinois Chamber’s ongoing 
policy initiatives and advocacy 
efforts, helping them prepare for 
regulatory trends on the horizon.
	
One of the most relevant and 
timely sessions addressed the rising 
use of artificial intelligence in 
human resources. Beverly Alfon of 
Amundsen Davis, LLC presented 
a detailed discussion on how AI 
tools were increasingly being used 
in recruiting, hiring, and other 
employment-related activities. She 
examined the compliance, privacy, 
and discrimination risks associated 
with AI and contrasted them with 
the operational efficiencies the 
technology can provide. Her session 
helped employers better understand 
how to responsibly integrate AI while 
navigating emerging legal standards.
	
After the morning break and 
visits with exhibitors, Jeff Risch 
returned to the stage to review key 
federal-level legal developments. 
He summarized recent changes 
from agencies such as the U.S. 
Department of Labor, EEOC, and 
NLRB, focusing on how new rules 
and guidance affected wage-and-
hour compliance, union-related 
activity, workplace accommodations, 
and broader employment practices. 
His presentation offered practical 
takeaways that employers could 
immediately apply within their 
organizations.
	
Following lunch, participants 
turned their attention to the One 
Big Beautiful Bill—one of the 
New Laws
Forum 2025 
Highlights
The event brought 
together industry 
leaders, legal experts, 
and state officials who 
offered critical insights 
into state and federal 
developments, as well 
as the evolving role of 
artificial intelligence in 
the workplace.

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