Buckner-Sponsored Measure Enhances Anti-Discrimination and Equal Pay Laws

CHICAGO – A measure that enhances anti-discrimination measures and equal pay requirements sponsored by state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“No one should face discrimination in the workplace or lower wages because of the color of their skin or any factor that isn’t based on their ability as an employee,” Buckner said. “Enhancing protections against discrimination will help expand economic opportunity and uplift people and communities that have too often been denied fair treatment.”

Buckner-sponsored Senate Bill 1847, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, to require businesses with 100 or more employees to certify compliance with equal pay laws. Under this measure, businesses are required to disclose federal employment reports to the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and report on how they set compensation for employees and how they correct wage disparities. SB 1847 builds on a previous equal pay measure sponsored by Buckner, Public Act 101-0656, by strengthening enforcement through fines of up to $10,000 per employee.

“To build a brighter, more equitable future, Illinois must be a leader in preventing the unjust practices of the past,” Buckner said. “I will continue to fight for equal pay for equal work so that every person in our community can be paid fairly for their labor.”