SB 61

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that for specified types of charges pending before the Department of Human Rights, if the charging party has initiated litigation for the purpose of seeking final relief in a State or federal court or before an administrative law judge or hearing officer in an administrative proceeding before a local government administrative agency, and if a final decision on the merits in that litigation or administrative hearing would preclude the charging party from bringing another action based on the pending charge, the Department shall cease its investigation and dismiss the pending charge by order of the Director, who shall provide the charging party notice of his or her right to commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court or other appropriate court of competent jurisdiction. Provides that the Director shall also provide the charging party notice of his or her right to seek review of the dismissal order before the Human Rights Commission. Provides that any review by the Commission of the dismissal shall be limited to the question of whether the charge was properly dismissed under the new provisions. Provides that the Department may continue to investigate an allegation in a charge that is unique to the Act or otherwise could not have been included in the litigation or administrative proceeding. Provides that for charges relating to real estate transactions, the Department may administratively close a charge pending before the Department if the issues that are the basis of the charge are being litigated in a State or federal court proceeding. Deletes language providing that the Department shall stay any administrative proceedings after the filing of a civil action by or on behalf of the aggrieved party under any federal or State law seeking relief with respect to the alleged civil rights violation. Makes other changes.