In response, additional public health restrictions and mitigations are instituted for Region 1, such as a tighter gathering cap of 10 individuals rather than 25 and new table caps of six rather than 10 at restaurants and bars. Have new flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath (excluding such symptoms caused by chronic conditions); . REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through January 8, 2022. HB 03922: Designates June 19 as a paid state holiday, Juneteenth. CANNABIS IDENTIFICATION CARDS Suspends the requirement that a medical or adult use cannabis cultivation center agent must have a completed background check when applying for an agent identification card. JB Pritzker in December expanded the list of detainable offenses and included some non-violent crimes. Outlines public health requirements for individuals, businesses, retail stores, manufacturers, office buildings, restaurants and bars, gyms, personal service facilities, youth sports, and public amusement. In addition, requires universal masking in private long-term care facilities. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. ISP will now have a public database of all guns reported stolen that can be checked prior to the transfer of any firearm to prevent inadvertent transfers of stolen weapons. MODIFIES REGIONAL MITIGATION METRICS Defines the metrics for any of the 11 regions to move to less or more restrictive mitigation measures. Reissues previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic through January 6, 2023. It also forbids companies from marketing e-cigarettes to people under 21 or using cartoons or images from video games or movies in their advertising. The bill was passed following media attention on a decision by administrators of Providence St. Mel School on Chicago's West Side to enforce a dress code banning braids and other hairstyles associated with African Americans on the law's 4-year-old namesake. Related: Illinois 1st State To Ban Lying To Minors During Interrogation. The order aligns with the latest CDC guidance and rescinds emergency rules requiring face masks for fully vaccinated individuals. The employer may not disclose the name of individual employee(s) who test positive. Following Gov. WARNING: Site will be down from 8-12PM CT. INFORMATION: Il.gov is a great site to visit. The director of the Central Management Services Department must ensure that bird mortality is monitored at every state building. Yes. HB 796, an amendment to the Public University Uniform Admission Pilot Program Act, requires that the University of Illinois establish a four-year pilot program guaranteeing that all applicants who speak English proficiently, graduated high school and attended community college in Illinois and earned at least 36 credits with a grade point average of at least 3.0 be allowed to attend. Per the Governors Executive Orders, an employer can require employees to use protective gear, including masks or face coverings. Executive Order 2021-24 has been amended by Executive Order 2021-25. SB 00147: Entitles Medicare supplement policyholders to an annual open enrollment period lasting at least 45 days starting on their birthday to buy a Medicare supplement policy irrespective of health status, claims experience or medical conditions. The IHRA and federal law prohibit employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of a disability or perceived disability. REGIONS 2, 3, AND 5 RESUME TIER 2 MITIGATIONS Region 2 (Northern Illinois), Region 3 (North-Central Illinois), and Region 5 (Southern Illinois) have met the metrics for a reduction of mitigations. SB 539 includes amendments to Illinois Governmental Ethics Act and the Lobbyist Registration Act touted as ethics reforms by members of the Democratic Party's legislative supermajority . All rights reserved, CTA Continues Efforts to Adapt Electric Buses to Winter's Challenges, 7 Cubs Pitchers Combine for No-Hitter Vs. Padres, The Lifting Up Illinois Working Families Act, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Stomach Bug Cases Surging, Sending People to Emergency Rooms in Chicago Area, Chicago Suburb Lands on List of Happiest Places to Live,' Another Midwest City Makes Top 10, Chicago-Area Counties Under Winter Storm Advisories and Warnings. SB 02354: Students can now take one year of forensic speech and debate in high school as a substitute for music, art or foreign language requirements. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations are instituted for Region 7, comprised of Will and Kankakee Counties. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through May 1, 2021. Yes. Illinois SAFE-T Act 2023: Pritzker signs revised version of controversial bill about cash bail, the portion of the SAFE-T Act that ends cash bail in Illinois is unconstitutional. HB 03217: Amends numerous state statutes by deleting the use of Haitian or Negro and instead including terms such as Black or African-American.. Employers may not ask about an employees family members health information, but may ask employees whether they have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with, or is experiencing symptoms of, COVID-19. Related: Illinois First State To Mandate Asian American History In Schools. All state, county, and local law enforcement officers are instructed to cease enforcement of orders of eviction for residential premises. Here's a look at some of the most interesting laws set to go into effect. CHICAGO A slate of new city, county and state laws in 2022 will affect education, criminal justice, deportation and eating out for Chicagoans. Employers are prohibited, by the IHRA and federal law, from treating employees differently based on race or national origin. Employees can contact their local health department or IDPH at 1-800-889-3931 or by emailing dph.sick@illinois.gov. All workplace safety policies, including required face coverings, must be applied and enforced equally for all employees in the workplace, except for those employees who have informed the employer of a medical condition or disability that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering. Suspends certain provisions: 1) Employees that are being investigated for conduct that would not result in their termination or placement on the HCWR or 2) Employees who are the subject of an OIG investigation that is either complete or materially complete. STATE FAIRS - Cancels the State Fairs in Springfield and DuQuoin scheduled for 2020, to protect the health and safety of fairgoers, entertainers, competitors, vendors, employees, and those living in the surrounding areas. Illinois is a strong union state and just got stronger after voters approved the Workers Rights Amendment in the 2022 midterm election. Executive Order 2022-11 (HTML) English Arabic Expanding on the anti-discrimination law that went into effect in 2021 and applies to schools, this law changes the Illinois Human Rights Act to include traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locks and twists to combat hair discrimination in the workplace. HB 01838: Expands the definition of discrimination based on a disability in the Illinois Human Rights Act to include unlawful discrimination against an individual because of the individuals association with a person with a disability. Suspends certain requirements, including the need for an adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to obtain an agent identification card from IDFPR prior to beginning work at a dispensary and the need for a medical or adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to keep an agent identification card visible at all times when in the dispensary. This guidance includes recommendations for all types of businesses and venues, customers, and employees in order to help maintain healthy environments and operations, as well as lower the risk of COVID-19 spread. The ISP can now issue combined FOID and CCL cards to qualified applicants. Permits the use of early childhood block grant funding to provide child care for children of employees performing essential work. Availability of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. Under the IHRA and federal law, employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees if, as a result of a disability, they need an accommodation to perform their jobs. The Stalking/No Contact Order law in Illinois has been amended to include a prohibition on contact made via email or social media. SB 01681: Adds probation officers to the list of individuals that qualify for death benefits if they are killed in the line of study. This supersedes EO 2020-38. State law prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to pay for the cost of medical examinations or records that the employer requires as a condition (or precondition) of employment. Also suspends the requirement that the Department must approve or deny an application for a medical or adult use cannabis cultivation center agent identification card within a certain amount of days. Increased testing frequency may be required in certain situations. Employers should recognize that health care providers may be extremely busy and not able to provide the requested documentation in a timely manner. Employees should not come to work, nor should their employer require them to come to work if they have had a positive test or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Local governments can still pass ordinances regulating setbacks, use of fertilizer or water, and invasive species controls as long as they do not have the effect of forbidding vegetable gardens. SB 01600: Requires restaurants and truck stops to provide employees with training in the recognition of human trafficking, and protocols for reporting observed human trafficking to proper authorities. Minimum Wage Increase (Public Act 101-0001) Illinois is one of the states set to raise their minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. In general, individuals not authorized to work in the United States are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits or benefits under the PUA. HB 03955: Provides that automatic renewal offers or continuous service offers online should provide a toll-free number, email or a postal address if the seller directly bills the consumer, or to provide another cost-effective way to cancel the service. Illinois reports 2,762 new COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths. At a minimum, employers should follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting facilities with cases of COVID-19. J.B. Pritzker's COVID-19 disaster declaration last year, Madigan opted to convene the Illinois House for a just single four-day emergency session. Employers should not assume that an older employee, or an employee with an underlying health condition, is in need of special protection or accommodation. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations are implemented for Region 7 (Will and Kankakee counties) and Region 8 (Kane and DuPage counties), for restaurants and bars, meetings and social events, gaming and casinos and for all workplaces, effective October 23, 2020. RESCINDS METRO EAST MITIGATIONS As of October 9, 2020, Region 4 the Metro East has reached the threshold to lift mitigations following three consecutive days with a rolling positivity rate below 6.5%. MASK REQUIREMENT FOR SCHOOLS AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILTIES Requires masks for students, teachers, and staff at pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools and day cares, consistent with the CDC guidance. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and there is nothing in Illinois or federal law that prohibits an employer from requiring a doctors note or COVID-19 test before an employee returns to work. All schools must follow IDPH and ISBE health guidelines, including using PPE, temperature checks, hygienic practices, social distancing, and limiting people to 50 or fewer in one space. The federal Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004 allows retirees - up to 10,000 in Illinois - who spent at least 10 years as law enforcement officers with arrest powers to carry concealed . Employers have an obligation to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Driven by the death of Jelani Day, this law requires a coroner or medical examiner to notify the FBI if human remains in their custody are not identified within 72 hours of discovery. SB 00500: Prevents hospitals, physicians, surgeons or procurement group from discriminating against individuals solely on the basis of having a mental or physical disability by deeming that person ineligible to receive an anatomical gift or organ transplant. In workplaces where employees are represented by a union, union representatives can also participate in workplace safety planning. Public employees who believe they have been retaliated against may file a. 2022 Clay County Final Multiplier Announced. HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, PROFESSIONALS, AND VOLUNTEERS Defines healthcare facilities, health care professionals and health care volunteers. Governor Pritzker Announces New Partnership Between Illinois Universities and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. LIMITED REOPENING OF SCHOOLS All public and nonpublic schools in Illinois serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students may open for limited in-person educational purposes, such as summer school, after the regular 2019-2020 school term. IN-PERSON LEARNING All public and nonpublic schools in Illinois serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students may open for in-person learning after the regular 2019-2020 school term. Generally, isolation can be discontinued when all three conditions are met: 10 days have passed since symptoms started, no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever- reducing medications, and other symptoms are improving. NOTARY AND WITNESS GUIDELINES - any act of notarization or witnessing required by Illinois law may be completed remotely by via two-way audio-video communication technology provided that the acts follows specific guidelines set forth in the Order and by the Secretary of State. Continue to evaluate which employees are able to work from home and are encouraged to facilitate remote work when possible; Ensure that employees practice social distancing and wear face coverings when social distancing is not always possible. Permits service of pleadings to be conducted personally, by first-class mail, or by electronic mail. HB 03445: A person who seeks medical assistance for an opioid overdose will have immunity from prosecution for possession. Yes. State and federal law requires exemptions for certain medical and religious reasons. The order expands the use of available emergency relief dollars for Illinois utility customers currently at risk of service disconnections following the end of the winter moratorium, and maximizes the number of households eligible for relief. Under the IHRA and federal law, an individual with a disability has the right to request a reasonable accommodation from their employer. HB 00155 and HB 00310: Provides that SNAP and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Childrens Programs may use their benefits to purchase menstrual hygiene products. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through July 24, 2021. The two-week extension allows for hospitals and schools to implement their own testing, vaccine and accountability protocols. JB Pritzker signed into law a proposal that gives teachers and other school workers paid administrative leave if they are forced to stay home with COVID-19 or if a family . The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have also published guidelines and requirements for employers to follow in order to maintain a safe workplace during the pandemic. Previously, public defenders could advise immigrants in deportation cases but could not formally represent them. SUSPENDS PROVISIONS IN THE ILLINOIS VEHICLE CODE Suspends the repossession of vehicles; however, individuals must still comply with any obligation they may have to a loan agreement or otherwise. Paul.Cicchini@illinois.gov New Laws Taking Effect in 2022 Impact Employers, Employees SPRINGFIELD - As we prepare for the new year, employers and employees should be aware of new laws taking effect January 1st, as well as those already in effect due to action by the General Assembly and signature of Governor JB Pritzker. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees ability to engage in protected concerted activity for mutual aid or protection in both union and non-union settings. SCHOOL SAFETY Schools must take specific measures to ensure the safety of students and schools, including investigating the occurrence of cases, close contacts, and symptomatic individuals. K-12 SCHOOLS CLARIFICATION All public and private schools must close for educational purposes, but schools operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services may remain open. PROFESSIONAL REGULATION LAW Suspends the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from taking certain actions to increase the number of licensed professionals responding to the disaster, to the extent that it limits the Secretarys authority to those working under the direction of IEMA and IDPH. In 2022, that means minimum wage will increase to $12 an hour. SB 02122: Provides that statements provided by minors are inadmissible as evidence if obtained using deceptive practices. Statewide, the minimum wage increases by $1 to $12 per hour as part of a measure approved in 2019,. Illinois school employees across the state will receive paid COVID sick leave if they are fully vaccinated under new law signed by Gov. Includes Executive Order 2020-30, which prohibits residential evictions. (COVID-19 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. After a 2019 law, the state minimum wage in Illinois increases to $12 an hour on Jan. 1, 2022. In order to prevent osteoporosis and other medical conditions, this law requires health insurance plans to cover medically necessary hormone therapy treatments for women who have undergone a hysterectomy and therefore induced menopause. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) investigates charges of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation filed under the IHRA. 42 U.S.C. Therefore, the regions will move out of Tier 3 of the States Mitigation Plan and into the less restrictive Tier 2, effective January 15, 2021. HB 00033: Prohibits companies from denying life insurance coverage based on a person participating in substance use treatment or recovery support programs. VARIOUS PROVISIONS Suspends the date of each townships annual meeting for calendar year 2020. Court Operations: The Winnebago County and Boone County Courts are hearing all matters pursuant to the provisions set forth in Administrative Order 2022-12 and General Order 1.03. . No. This law ensures people whose cars have been stolen will not be liable for violations, fees, fines or penalties when their vehicles are caught on red light or speed cameras. On Tuesday, Gov. SB 00968: Requires all health insurance plans, the Public Aid Code and public health benefits in Illinois to provide coverage for medically-necessary pancreatic cancer screening. A new law takes effect giving students up to five days off for mental health. IDPH filed emergency rulemakings currently in effect related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the following Parts, all of which became effective February 14, 2022 for a maximum of 150 days: Hospital Licensing Requirements, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 250 Statutory Authority: Hospital Licensing Act [210 ILCS 85] J.B. Pritzker's office announced Monday night he signed into law changes to the Health Care Right of Conscience Act. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through March 6, 2021. REGIONS 5, 7, AND 8 TIER 2 MITIGATIONS Region 5 (Southern Illinois) has been under Tier 1 of the state's resurgence mitigation plan since October 22 and Region 7 (Will and Kankakee counties) and Region 8 (Kane and DuPage counties) since October 23, after seeing a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days. PHASE FIVE REOPENING - Safely and conscientiously expands activities that were limited during the prior mitigation Phases of the States response to the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with CDC guidance. ", Related: Another Watchdog Vacancy Means Complaints Against Lawmakers Won't Be Addressed. CANNABIS APPLICATIONS The deadline for cannabis grower, infuser and transporter license applications is extended, and applicants are now allowed to mail completed applications, rather than submitting in person. On January 7, 2022, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) filed peremptory rules adopting the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). To begin the process of filing a charge, individuals should complete and submit the Complainant Information Sheet located on IDHRs website. Individuals must continue to practice social distancing, maintaining at least a six-foot distance, and wear a face covering in public places or when working. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through September 19, 2020. Per guidance from the U.S. SPRINGFIELD, IL Hundreds of new laws are due to take effect next month in Illinois after legislators returned to lawmaking following the ouster of longtime Speaker Mike Madigan earlier this year. Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) is a temporary program that provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular unemployment insurance compensation with respect to a benefit year that ended on or after July 1, 2019. Under the federal Occupation Safety and Health Act of 1970, employees who believe they are in imminent danger may refuse to work if certain conditions are met. It adds 16 additional endangered or threatened species to the list of animals whose parts are illegal to buy, sell or import, including giraffes, narwhals, pangolins, sharks and walruses, among others. All state agencies must submit annual reports showing how they have worked to increase the diversity of their workforce. His new campaign message, concentrated on citizens' safety and support for the police . The Lifting Up Illinois Working Families Act has raised the minimum wage several times, with the ultimate goal of lifting it to $15 an hour. HB 00376: Requires every elementary and high school to add a unit of instruction on the events and contributions of Asian Americans in Illinois and the U.S. HB 00709: Requires the Department of Human Services to educate immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and other non-residents of their rights under the U.S. Constitution and Illinois law. Failure to comply with the new law is punishable by a civil penalty of $10,000. Instead, a verbal attestation documented by the State constitutes a valid signature. When maintaining a 6-foot social distance may not always be possible, visitors should be encouraged to wear face coverings; and. REGION 1 TIER 2 MITIGATIONS Mitigation measures were initially implemented in Region 1 on October 3, 2020. Allows ISBE to implement rules regarding remote learning. No. The IDOC shall file emergency rules as needed. Following the passage of the bill, former Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope resigned in protest, warning that her office had no power to highlight ethics violations and that lawmakers had shown that "true ethics reform is not a priority. The law will also restore sick days used during the 2021-2022 school year. Individuals are required to wear a face covering in public places when they are unable to maintain a six-foot social distance, such as in stores. The requirements do not apply if the bird-safe alternatives result in significant additional cost or when buildings are leased instead of owned by the state. The SAFE-T Act also requires that all Illinois police officers wear body cameras by 2025, establishes a more defined system for police complaints, and requires more law enforcement training. RESUMES ADMISSIONS TO IDOC FROM COUNTY JAILS The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will resume accepting the transfer of individuals from Illinois county jails. No. Then, in January, after a group of 19 Democratic state representatives refused to support Madigan's bid for a 19th term as speaker, House Democrats picked Hillside state Rep. Chris Welch to succeed him. The IHRA and federal law prohibit an employer from treating employees differently based on their age or an actual or perceived disability. This shall not be construed as relieving any individual of the obligation to pay rent or comply with a lease or rental agreement. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations will be implemented for restaurants and bars, meetings and social events, gaming and casinos and for all workplaces, effective October 30, 2020. These laws also protect employees from retaliation when they engage in conduct to oppose discrimination or harassment, or when they raise safety and health concerns with their employer or coworkers. Applying for and being denied benefits under the regular unemployment insurance program is the first step to establishing eligibility under PUA. However, employees may be entitled to use vacation or other paid time off in accordance with their employers established leave program. In the Health Care Worker Background Check Act, suspends the time period for designated students, applicants, and employees to have their fingerprints collected electronically. Yes. HB 00562: Significant changes to the FOID card system beginning in 2022, including encouraging, but not requiring, fingerprinting. REGION 7 MITIGATIONS Region 7 has reported three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher. This guidance is intended to help both employers and employees educate themselves about minimum required workplace safety requirements, as well as best practices to promote a safe and well-functioning workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide guidance on some frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and the workplace. Employers should develop a workplace safety plan as a way of identifying and addressing risks. A precondition for PUA approval is that someone is not eligible for any other unemployment programs. Employees should be instructed to stay home when sick and to follow the guidance of public health authorities if they have been exposed to or in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. SB 01682: Requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale. Tier 3 Mitigations aim to limit gatherings and encourage people to stay home to the greatest extent possible, while allowing most industries to continue operating at significantly reduced levels. Law enforcement officers can also seize tobacco products or electronic cigarettes that violate the bills prohibition on marketing to children. SUSPENDS REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS - Suspends certain requirements for restoration of an inactive or expired license of five years or less for professional counselors, social workers, and clinical psychologists. Suspends requiring certain courses as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma for twelfth grade students who are unable to complete coursework as a result of the suspension of in-person instruction due to COVID-19. Industrial radiography certifications and industrial radiography trainee certifications that have expired or will expire may be extended. This law allows women who have a miscarriage, still birth, or other diagnosis or event that impacts pregnancy or fertility to take 10 days of unpaid leave. Schools no longer can crack down on nonwhite hairstyles, and they must do more to protect children from sexual misconduct. Trying again, focused this time on crime, he was the top vote getter Tuesday, toppling the incumbent mayor and advancing to an April runoff to lead one of the country's largest cities. SB 1846 amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a requirement that the default beverage for kids' meals at restaurants is unsweetened water, juice or milk. Employees in these settings who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week. Such holidays are regular school days. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through February 6, 2021.
