Signed by Governor JB Pritzker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits state agencies from revising their rules in a way that is less stringent in its protection of workers' rights or safety than the requirements established by federal law as it exists on April 28, 2025.

Highlights:

• Prohibits state agencies from weakening protections below April 28, 2025, federal standards unless authorized by new state law (Sec. 5-10(a)).

• Authorizes agencies to adopt stronger protections than federal law (Sec. 5-10(b)).

• Amends and clarifies that if federal protections are reduced or repealed, Illinois must adopt at least the previous federal standard (Sec. 5-10(c), Sec. 10-10).

• Authorizes employees or third parties to sue for violations (Sec. 10-20).

• Establishes civil penalties that employers may face up to $70,000 per willful violation (Sec. 10-25(b)).

• Required state agencies must report on compliance and enforcement (Sec. 5-15).

• Establishes the severability clause to ensure the rest of the law stands even if part is struck down (Sec. 5-25, Sec. 10-30).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits state agencies from revising their rules in a way that is less stringent in its protection of workers' rights or safety than the requirements established by federal law as it exists on April 28, 2025.

Highlights:

• Prohibits state agencies from weakening protections below April 28, 2025, federal standards unless authorized by new state law (Sec. 5-10(a)).

• Authorizes agencies to adopt stronger protections than federal law (Sec. 5-10(b)).

• Amends and clarifies that if federal protections are reduced or repealed, Illinois must adopt at least the previous federal standard (Sec. 5-10(c), Sec. 10-10).

• Authorizes employees or third parties to sue for violations (Sec. 10-20).

• Establishes civil penalties that employers may face up to $70,000 per willful violation (Sec. 10-25(b)).

• Required state agencies must report on compliance and enforcement (Sec. 5-15).

• Establishes the severability clause to ensure the rest of the law stands even if part is struck down (Sec. 5-25, Sec. 10-30).

Full Bill Text