Workplace Discrimination Protections Now Law in Illinois

Women across Illinois will have stronger remedies to fight sexual harassment and discrimination in work places, thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) championed Senate Bill 75, which clarifies the ethics investigation process, including making the process more transparent and giving additional rights to victims of harassment and discrimination who file ethics complaints. The measure was signed into law last week by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Senate Bill 75 will require hotels and casinos to provide employees who work in isolated spaces with panic buttons for use if they are sexually harassed or assaulted, and local governments will now be required to report and provide an independent review of allegations of sexual harassment made against local elected officials and makes harassment against contract employees illegal.

“Illinois’ employment laws will now match the needs of workers from the 21st century,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “As a state, it is our responsibility to put forth policies that promote inclusion and safety.”

The bipartisan measure passed the legislature with unanimous support.

“This monumental legislation is helping shift the culture in the workplace,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to institute new laws that strive to make Illinois a better place to work, live and grow.”

The ethics provisions in Senate Bill 75 are effective immediately, the panic button provision takes effect July 1, and every other section takes effect Jan. 1.