Compliance Stuff

Last month, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed several new laws that will take effect in 2026. Here are the most important changes employers need to know. Quick Hits Governor Pritzker signed into law new employment–related enactments, such as the Workers’ Rights and Worker Safety Act. Existing laws, such as the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act, and the Employee Blood and Organ Donation Act, have been amended. Most notably, effective June 1, 2026, the new Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act will allow parents time off when their children are receiving care in hospitals’ neonatal intensive care units. New Illinois Employment Laws House Bill (HB) 2978  (Public Act 104-0259), or the “ Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act ,” establishes a requirement for employers to provide unpaid leave while an employee’s child is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). An employer with sixteen to fifty employees must provide ten days of leave, while an...

Key Takeaways Illinois recently concluded its legislative session, with many employment-related bills being sent to Governor JB Pritzker for possible enactment into law. As of this publication, the governor has already enacted two laws that amend Illinois Equal Pay Act and Prevailing Wage Act requirements. Additional bills that may be signed into law include changes to the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act, nursing breaks, and new categories of leaves of absence, among others. Employers with Illinois workers should be aware of several proposed new employment laws and amendments to existing laws that may be enacted if signed by the Governor later this year. Below are summaries of the proposed new laws, as well as bills the Governor has already signed into law. Paid Breaks for Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Effective: January 1, 2026 |  SB 212 SB 212 proposes changes to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act, joining New York in requiring employer...