Subject Index Human Rights

The Secretary of State adopted amendments to the Illinois State Library Grant Programs, requiring public libraries to implement policies restricting removal of materials due to disapproval from individuals or groups.

On May 24, 2023, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) created the potential for liability in tort, as required by the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (“Contribution Act”), such that a tortfeasor could set off recovery against it by a portion of another tortfeasor’s settlement with the plaintiff.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Human Rights Act. Under the Act, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their actual or perceived race.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Human Rights Act. The Act now prevents discrimination based on a person’s source of income in real estate transactions.

The Human Rights Commission adopted amendments to clarify parties’ rights to file electronically and request extensions in requests for review. Pleadings may now be served electronically.

On Aug. 19, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a nonprofit corporation was subject to the Illinois Human Rights Act.

On Aug. 13, 2021, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that denying a transgender woman access to the women’s bathroom was discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The Department of Transportation amended Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties. The amendment responds to the federal “No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act” and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s added penalties for human trafficking.

The Illinois Human Rights Act was amended to prevent discrimination based on work-authorization status. The amendment defines “work authorization status” as an individual born outside of the U.S. who is not a U.S. citizen and is authorized to work in the U.S.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted Public Act 102-0004, spearheaded by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. The legislation focuses on correcting a system of injustice and racism in the Black community that has contributed to higher rates of medical problems among African Americans.

In October 2008, a former employee filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission alleging race and national-origin discrimination against the petitioner.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act is amended by changing 740 ILCS 128/15 as follows.

The Equal Pay Act of 2003 is amended to prohibit employers from discriminating between employees.

Amendments adopted by the Department of Human Rights now stipulate the circumstances in which the department has the discretion to request the filing of a response to a discrimination claim (56 Ill. Adm. Code 2520 (effective Sept. 17, 2018)).

The Department of Human Rights adopted amendments allowing the Department to develop an Electronic Filing Pilot Project providing procedures for electronic signatures and the electronic filing of documents when complaints or charges against an employer are filed with the Department.

Amendments were adopted to the Access to Local Records of the Department of Human Rights modifying the Department of Human Rights' regulations regarding the cost for on-site training conducted by the Department's Training Institute.

Amendments to 56 Ill. Adm. Code 320 (eff. Dec. 21, 2015) allow for the Department of Labor (DOL) to determine, at any time during a pending complaint, to refer such matter to the Department of Human Rights (DHR) if the complaint also alleges a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

As of July 1, 2015, discriminatory insurance practices against transgender persons will no longer be tolerated. 50 Ill. Adm. Code 2603 (eff. July 1, 2015).

Under the Victim Compensation Tattoo Removal Act, the definition of "pecuniary loss" now includes the costs incurred in hiring a licensed professional to remove a trafficking tattoo.

The Illinois Human Rights Act has been amended to protect pregnant employees (775 ILCS 5/2-102).