Labor & Employment

Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Provides that a union representative of an employee of any business regulated under the Acts shall not be hindered by any provision in the Acts from accessing the premises to meet with any employee that wishes to meet with that union representative.

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Defines "public sector attorney" as any of the following attorneys who are not managerial employees: Assistant State's Attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders, Assistant Appellate Defenders, Assistant Appellate Prosecutors, and attorneys in the office of the Cook County Public Guardian. Provides that public sector attorneys may not strike. Provides that, if there is an impasse between a unit of public sector attorneys and a public employer, the parties shall submit the dispute to interest arbitration. Effective December 1, 2026.

Amends the Cook County Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a contributing employee may elect to purchase creditable service for up to 48 months of active-duty military service, whether or not that service followed service as a county employee. Provides that to establish this creditable service, the contributing employee must pay to the Fund an amount determined by the Fund to represent the employee contributions for the creditable service based on his or her rate of compensation after the military service, plus interest at the effective rate from the date of discharge to the date of payment. Removes an existing provision concerning the purchase of service credit for military service. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a policeman who applies for disability benefits under the Article and has been denied reinstatement as a policeman by his or her employer because of a physical or mental incapacity shall be presumed to be disabled as that term is used in the Article. Provides that no policeman who otherwise meets the requirements for a disability benefit shall be denied a disability benefit unless and until the policeman's employer reinstates him or her as a policeman or offers him or her a limited-duty position. Provides that any policeman who has been denied a disability benefit without an offer of reinstatement or a limited-duty position after the effective date of the amendatory Act is entitled to disability benefits. Provides that if a policeman has an application for an ordinary disability benefit denied by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund or has a duty disability benefit, ordinary disability benefit, or occupational disability benefit terminated by a majority vote of the Board and brings an action for administrative review challenging the termination or denial of the disability benefit and the policeman prevails in the action in administrative review, then the prevailing policeman shall be entitled to recover from the Fund court costs and litigation expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, as part of the costs of the action. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility shall ensure that it has the necessary labor force in order to fulfill its duties under the Act. Provides that no substantial change shall be made by any public utility in its labor force unless the public utility provides notice to the Illinois Commerce Commission at least 45 days before the implementation of the change. Provides that a public utility shall provide a report to the Commission in addition to the notice of the substantial change. Sets forth requirements for the content of the report. Provides that the Commission may conduct an audit or investigation of any public utility report filed pursuant to provisions concerning a public utility's labor force. Provides that if, after notice and hearing, the Commission finds that a report was insufficient to justify the substantial change in labor force, then the cost of any independent audit conducted by the Commission shall not be recoverable as an expense from the ratepayers of the public utility.

Amends the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act. Amends the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act. Creates a second set of incentive periods beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2031. Provides that the basic wage for the second set of incentive periods is $20 per hour. Provides that the credit may not exceed $2,500 per new employee hired, except that, if the new employee is a returning citizen, then the credit for that employee may not exceed $3,500. Provides that the term "returning citizen" means an individual who (i) is a resident of Illinois, (ii) was formerly incarcerated in a federal, State, or local correctional institution, and (iii) is a new employee. Provides that the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under the Act is (i) $20,000,000 for new employees other than returning citizens and (ii) $5,000,000 for returning citizens. Adds provisions concerning recapture of the credit if the employee is terminated by the taxpayer within one year after the credit is awarded. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.

This Illinois House resolution (HR 119) calls on President Trump to abandon proposed tariffs, arguing they would increase costs for Illinois families and businesses. It specifically highlights risks to Illinois agriculture (like soybeans), manufacturing, and the state's top trade relationships with Canada and Mexico - impacting thousands of jobs. The resolution does not create new laws but formally opposes the tariff plans based on economic projections of higher living costs and market instability. It is a symbolic statement, not a binding policy change.

Condemns President Donald Trump's efforts to undermine equal pay, make workplaces less fair, and limit opportunity. Condemns the false, hateful comments President Trump and his allies have used to impugn and demean working people. Renews commitment to prioritize equal pay for equal work, opportunities for all, and protections in our workplaces in Illinois.