Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois will enforce a new law that protects workers involved in caregiving from employment discrimination. This law, known as Public Act 103-0797, ensures that employers cannot base decisions on an employee’s family responsibilities. These protections extend to various employment processes, including hiring, training, and promotion.
“Being a caregiver is one of the most important roles a person can take on, and in Illinois, we’re making sure no one is penalized for stepping up for their loved ones,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this law, we’re strengthening protections for workers and ensuring caregivers can balance their responsibilities at work and at home.”
“Workplace policies should reflect the realities of caregiving and the responsibilities today’s families face,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This law not only provides protections but also recognizes the complex lives of working people and helps create more supportive and compassionate workplaces.”
“At one point or another, almost every worker will need to provide personal care to a family member in need,” said Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Jim Bennett. “This law protects employees with family responsibilities from workplace discrimination, ensuring that employment decisions are made on their job performance instead of bias.”
The law references the Employee Sick Leave Act to define family members and personal care. Covered Family members are an employee’s child, stepchild, spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, mother-in law, father-in-law, grandchild, grandparent, or stepparent. Personal care includes, but is not limited to:
- Taking a family member to a doctor’s appointment.
- Tending to a family member’s basic medical, hygiene, nutritional, or safety needs.
- Providing emotional support to a family member with a serious health condition who is receiving inpatient or home care.
For questions regarding the Illinois Human Rights Act or IDHR’s rules and regulations, call (312) 814-6262 or complete the Contact IDHR online form.
