Costa Howard Initiative to Protect Individuals from Harassment and Discrimination Sent to Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her continuing efforts to protect vulnerable people, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, recently passed legislation that will require state officials and employees to complete annual training to prevent harassment and discrimination. The measure also will crack down on workplace misconduct and will improve safety conditions for hotel and casino employees.

“Employees should be able to work without fear of being harassed, threatened or discriminated against, and they shouldn’t fear retaliation if they report misconduct,” said Costa Howard. “This measure will help to make people in Illinois feel safer and more secure in their workplaces.”

Costa Howard passed Senate Bill 75, a sweeping legislative initiative focused on employee protection. Senate Bill 75 will create the Workplace Transparency Act (WTA), which will prohibit employers from requiring workers to sign non-disclosure agreements relating to sexual harassment, discrimination or retaliation as a condition of getting or keeping a job. The WTA also creates safeguards for confidentiality in settlement and termination agreements.

In addition, Costa Howard’s Senate Bill 75 creates the Hotel and Casino Employee Act, which will require hotels and casinos to provide panic buttons or other safety devices to employees working alone in guest rooms, restrooms, or casino floors. Hotels and casinos also will be required to institute written policies to protect employees against sexual assault and harassment by guests.

“This legislation will improve safety conditions for employees, especially those who are required to work alone behind closed doors,” continued Costa Howard. “It is critical that we protect employees from hostile, potentially dangerous work environments. I urge the governor to sign this legislation when it reaches his desk.”