Edly-Allen Legislation to Protect Employees from Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Signed Into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure sponsored by state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, to establish protections against all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently.

“When people go to work they should never have to fear being subjected to discrimination, harassment or abuse, especially those who are required to work in industries that place them at additional risk,” said Edly-Allen. “This law is a critical step forward as we work to make sure employees in both the public and private sector feel safe at the workplace.”

Edly-Allen’s Senate Bill 75 is sweeping legislation that establishes additional protections against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Among the broad range of new safeguards and policies established under the legislation is the creation of the Workplace Transparency Act (WTA) to ensure employees know their rights and are not required to give them up to obtain a job; the expansion of the Illinois Human Rights Act to require employers, employment agencies and labor organizations to ensure ‘nonemployees’ performing services through a contract are not subjected to hostile work environments or sexual harassment; and a requirement that the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) provide free sexual harassment prevention training annually.

Senate Bill 75 also creates the Hotel and Casino Employees Safety Act requiring hotels and casinos to equip employees working alone in a guest room, restroom or casino floor with safety devices, such as a panic button, as well as write an anti-sexual harassment policy that protects employees against sexual assault and harassment by guests.

“Employers have an obligation to protect their employees from hostile and potentially dangerous working environments,” Edly-Allen said.  “This new law makes it easier for employees to keep themselves safe at the workplace and report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.”