For Illinois employers, the new year brings a variety of new paid leave laws, the most recent being the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance passed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 14, 2023.
Cook County, IL Passes New Paid Leave Ordinance; Releases Related Model Notice
The Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance passed the Cook County Board by a nearly unanimous vote on Dec. 14, 2023. One Board member declined to vote, but the remaining 16 members present voted in favor the proposed legislation.
Effective Date of Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance Delayed to July 1, 2024
The Chicago City Council has passed an amendment to the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance to delay its effective date to July 1, 2024, in addition to other changes.
Illinois Department of Labor Publishes Proposed Rules Implementing the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act
On Nov. 3, 2023, the Illinois Department of Labor (“IDOL”) published proposed rules implementing the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (“PLAWA”). While the proposed rules will not be finalized until after the PLAWA takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024, they provide additional guidance employers should consider when reviewing their leave policies for compliance with the Act.
Illinois DOL Publishes Answers to FAQs on Paid Leave for All Workers Act
On May 23, 2023, IDOL published “Paid Leave for All Workers Act Frequently Asked Questions,” providing the first guidance on Illinois’ impending Paid Leave for All Workers Act (the “Act”).
Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act is Ready for Governor’s Signature
Governor J.B. Pritzker has indicated he intends to sign the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act that passed both houses of the legislature on Jan. 10, 2023. The Act will entitle covered employees to earn and use up to 40 hours of paid leave in each 12-month period of their employment and go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Illinois to Become Third State to Enact Paid Leave Law
On Jan. 10, 2023, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (the “Act”), S.B. 208, passed both chambers in the Illinois Legislature, mere days into the new legislative session.
Illinois Expands Unpaid Child Bereavement Leave to Cover Additional Family Members, Losses
Illinois has enacted amendments to the Child Bereavement Leave Act, expanding the law’s scope and renaming it the Family Bereavement Leave Act (FBLA).
Chicago City Council Passes COVID-19 Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
Chicago’s City Council has passed an ordinance to protect employees from retaliation by their employers if they obey public health orders or orders of a healthcare provider to stay at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance was passed by the City Council on May 20, 2020.