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Chamber legislative update: New Illinois law protects jobseekers with conviction records

March 24, 2021
Illinois State Capitol

The Quad Cities Chamber team is actively monitoring legislation and advocating for our Regional Advocacy Priorities to support our region. See the bill tracking page for a complete list of the legislation we are monitoring, supporting and opposing. 

Illinois

The newly signed Employee Background Fairness Act (Senate Bill 1480) extends protections outlined in the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) to any Illinois resident with a conviction record. Under this law, Illinois employers can no longer disqualify a job applicant or employee with a conviction record unless it is substantially related to the job. Any person who believes they are experiencing discrimination at work or with a potential job because of their conviction record can now file a charge of discrimination with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).

Senate Bill 1480 also strengthens the Illinois Equal Pay Act, requiring private-sector employers with more than 100 employees to obtain equal pay registration certificates from the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). The legislation requires qualifying employers to provide proof of the total wages paid to each employee during the prior year as well as the gender, race and ethnicity of the employees.

To assist Illinois employers and job seekers, the IDHR has developed a comprehensive FAQ. The legislation takes effect immediately.

Iowa

  • The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met on March 19 to establish the Fiscal Year 2021 General Fund estimate and predicted a 1.9% revenue growth during FY2021. Due to Iowa’s resilient economy and historically consistent revenue growth trends, Iowa ranked the second-lowest impacted state due to COVID-19.
  • One of the Chamber’s priorities this session is expanding access to broadband. HF 796, which aims to invest $450 million in broadband over the next three years, passed the House Ways & Means Committee on March 18 and is now eligible for a floor vote.
  • Eligible for floor debate, HF 592 would cap noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases helping keep insurance rates down and grow the healthcare workforce. The Chamber is encouraging members to contact their elected officials to vote yes on this bill.