Johnson Bill Strengthening Workers’ Rights for Individuals Without a Driver’s License Signed Into Law

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – State Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, led legislation now signed into law that strengthens worker rights by prohibiting employers from requiring that applicants have a driver’s license unless it’s necessary for the position.

“There are a number of reasons that someone may not have a driver’s license, and none of those reasons would impact whether or not they are a good employee,” said Johnson. “Employers should not be able to hold it against them, especially since it has no bearing on their job performance.”

Johnson’s House Bill 4758 states that a job posting can not require that an applicant has a valid driver’s license unless driving is an essential part of the job. This guarantees that applicants without a driver’s license have an equal opportunity to employment opportunities where driving is not required. If a driver’s license is required for a posted position, the employer must provide a brief description on the job posting describing why it is considered necessary.

“We should not be putting up meaningless barriers between people and employment opportunities,” said Johnson. “We need to be creating a system that provides people with the chance to succeed and grow in their careers.”

This legislation goes into effect January 1, 2027.