Labor & Employment

Creates the Human Services Equitable Pay Task Force Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall establish the Human Services Equitable Pay Task Force. Requires the Task Force to examine and publish a report, by December 1, 2027 and every 2 years thereafter, that studies various issues relating to recruitment, retention, and wage inequity within the human services sector in Illinois. Provides that the Task Force shall examine, among any other issues it chooses to investigate with respect to human services, the following issues: (1) grant levels and reimbursement rate levels that human services providers have received since Fiscal Year 2021; (2) patterns in entry-level wages and wage growth among community-based providers and State agencies; (3) existing State resources and programs that assist in the development of a strong pipeline of workers for human service positions; and (4) funding interventions needed to support the findings generated from the Task Force. Sets forth the membership of the Task Force and requires the Department of Human Services to provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall receive the assistance of legislative staff and may employ skilled experts. Effective immediately.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Illinois Labor Relations Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $2,855,100.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the tax credit for employee child care shall be (i) 30% of the start-up costs expended by the corporate taxpayer to provide a child care facility for the children of its employees and (ii) 10% (currently, 5%) of the annual amount paid by the corporate taxpayer in providing the child care facility for the children of its employees. Creates an income tax credit for corporate taxpayers that are qualified small businesses in an amount equal to 10% of the federal tax credit claimed by the taxpayer for the taxable year for qualified child care expenditures. Effective immediately.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: Other State Funds $4,465,600.

Amends the Attorney General Act. Provides that, prior to initiating an action, the Attorney General shall conduct an investigation and, in addition to other powers, may: (1) issue subpoenas for documents; (2) require written answers under oath to written interrogatories; (3) inspect the premises of an employer and inspect and make copies of employment-related records kept at the premises; and (4) conduct interviews with workers at an employer's premises during normal business or working hours. Sets forth additional provisions concerning investigations; interviews; subpoenas; obstruction; and search warrants.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that required health coverage benefits and education benefits are contingent on the law enforcement officer being killed in the line of duty. Provides that a surviving spouse shall not be required to submit a notarized affidavit or other notarized documentation attesting that the surviving spouse has not been remarried as a condition of eligibility for any benefit, payment, or right guaranteed under the Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that, if a laborer, mechanic, or other worker, to whom the prevailing rate of wages is required to be paid, is classified in 2 or more trade titles for any amount of time during a day on which the individual is employed on a public works project, the individual shall receive the prevailing rate of wages that is the highest among those trade titles for all hours worked that day. Provides that a laborer, mechanic, or other worker, to whom the prevailing wage is required to be paid, may be paid at an apprentice rate of pay if the laborer is enrolled in an apprenticeship and training program. Provides for the withholding of payments for violations of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. In provisions concerning a facility's safe resident handling policy, provides that "safe lifting equipment and accessories" includes emerging technologies approved by the Department of Public Health by rule.

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Keeping Sex Workers Safe Act. Creates the Sex Workers' Bill of Rights Act. Provides that sex workers shall not be subject to criminal prosecution for engaging in consensual sex work. Provides that law enforcement agencies are prohibited from arresting, charging, or prosecuting individuals solely for performing or engaging in sex work. Provides that sex workers, whether employed, contracted, or self-employed, shall be afforded the same rights and protections as other workers under Illinois law, including, but not limited to: (1) minimum wage and hour protections; (2) protection against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions; (3) access to workers' compensation and health benefits if applicable; and (4) protection of privacy and freedom from surveillance. Provides that employers, clients, or those benefiting from the services of sex workers must ensure safe working conditions, including protection from violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. Provides that sex workers operating as independent contractors shall be treated as legitimate sole proprietors or businesses under Illinois law. Provides that sex workers have the right to control their work, negotiate fair contracts, and receive payment for their services without interference or exploitation. Provides that sex workers shall not be discriminated against in access to housing, public services, financial services, or healthcare based on their occupation. Provides that all laws protecting workers from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics shall apply equally to sex workers. Defines "sex work" and "sex worker". Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Repeals the offenses of prostitution and patronizing a prostitute. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as matters in which discrimination is prohibited under the Educational Article.