Feigenholtz Legislation Requiring Companies to Have Sexual Harassment Policies Passes Committee

Springfield, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Representative Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, requiring companies doing business or receiving special tax credits with the state to have a sexual harassment policy protecting workers passed the House State Government Administration committee on Wednesday.

“Companies that we do business with are an extension of the state,” said Feigenholtz. “This legislation will ensure that companies that bid on contracts or receive tax credits play by the rules and have strong sexual harassment policies in place so that all men and women are treated with dignity and respect.”

Senate Bill 405 requires all companies that make a bid or offer for a state contract to have a sexual harassment policy in place. Additionally, the legislation requires companies that claim EDGE tax credits to include their sexual harassment policy in their annual report to the state.

The policies must contain the complaint process available through the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission, directions on how to contact them to make a complaint, and details on how victims who come forward are protected against retaliation.

The House of Representatives Sexual Harassment Task Force is finalizing comprehensive policy solutions to address sexual harassment in Illinois.

“Victims of harassment have to know their options for seeking justice,” said Feigenholtz. “This legislation will send a message to corporations that want to do business with our state that we expect the same gold standard that we are trying to achieve at the Capitol.”

For full text of SB405, click here. For more information, contact Feigenholtz’s Chicago office at 773-296-4141 or robert@staterepsara.com.