HUMAN RIGHTS-COURT ACTIONS

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Eliminates language providing that questions of credibility shall be considered by the Department of Human Rights in determining whether there is substantial evidence that a civil rights violation has been committed. Provides that review of certain decisions of the Director of Human Rights shall be conducted by the Human Rights Commission, rather than the Chief Legal Counsel of the Department. Provides that a civil action arising under the Employment Article or the Additional Civil Rights Violations Article of the Act may be commenced 180 days after the filing of a charge with the Department, regardless of the Department's findings, if any. In provisions authorizing a civil action under the Employment Article, Real Estate Transactions Article, or Additional Civil Rights Violations Article, provides that the plaintiff or the defendant may demand a trial by jury. Effective January 1, 2006, except some provisions are effective immediately.