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The Illinois Legislature has passed a series of bills that work to improve the working conditions and rights of all employees. The bills became effective on January 1, 2023 and are summarized below.

Illinois Senate Bill 3146 contains amendments to meal and rest breaks. The bill states that employers must provide a 24 hour break period for every 7 consecutive days worked. The bill also states that after 7.5 hours of work, employees must be provided with a 20-minute break every additional 4.5 hours worked during that shift.


Senate Bill 3146 increases the penalties and damages for employers who do not comply with these changes. Under the new laws, employers with more than 25 employees can be subjected to penalties up to $500 and damages up to $500 per offense that must be payable to the employee or employees involved. Employers with less than 25 employees can be subjected to $250 in penalties and $250 in damages per offense. Employers are required to post notice of these changes in order to keep employees informed on their rights.

Illinois Senate Bill 3120 expands bereavement leave laws. This bill was expanded to include the employee's child, stepchild, spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandchild, grandparent, or stepparent as "covered family members" for bereavement leave. The bill also allows employees to take a leave in the cases of miscarriage or stillbirth, unsuccessful intrauterine insemination or another assisted reproductive technology procedure, failed adoption or surrogacy, or a diagnosis that negatively impacts pregnancy and fertility. This bill strives to provide employees with personal time to address any crises occurring within their families. Employers are required to post notice of this expansion.

Illinois Senate Bill 3616 prohibits hair discrimination on the basis of race. This includes hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, and twists. This bill was passed in an effort to promote safer and comfortable work environments for employees with textured hair who may experience discrimination in the workplace.

Additionally, the Illinois Legislature expanded the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Program. This means that employers without their own retirement programs are required to enroll all employees, unless individuals have opted out, in the Retirement Savings Program. Employers who fail to cooperate with this law could face fines up to $250 to $500 per employee.

In summation, the Illinois Legislature has recently passed a series of laws that serve to protect the rights of workers and promote accountability for employers. These laws became effective on January 1, 2023.

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