HB 121

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that it is the public policy of the State to prevent discrimination based on the specific status or term of status that accompanies a legal work authorization. Defines "work authorization status" as the status of being a person born outside of the United States, and not a U.S. citizen, who is authorized by the federal government to work in the United States. Provides that it is a civil rights violation for: (1) any employer to refuse to hire, to segregate, to engage in harassment, or to act with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, selection for training or apprenticeship, discharge, discipline, tenure or terms, privileges or conditions of employment on the basis of work authorization status; (2) any employment agency to fail or refuse to classify properly, accept applications and register for employment referral or apprenticeship referral, refer for employment, or refer for apprenticeship on the basis of work authorization status; (3) any labor organization to limit, segregate, or classify its membership, or to limit employment opportunities, selection and training for apprenticeship in any trade or craft, or otherwise to take or fail to take, any action which affects adversely any person's status as an employee or as an applicant for employment or as an apprentice, or as an applicant for apprenticeships, or wages, tenure, hours of employment, or apprenticeship conditions on the basis of work authorization status; and (4) any employer to refuse to honor work authorization based upon the specific status or term of status that accompanies the authorization to work. Provides that it is a civil rights violation for a person, or for 2 or more persons, to conspire to retaliate against a person because he or she has opposed that which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to be discrimination based on work authorization status. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 775 ILCS 5/2-104 from Ch. 68, par. 2-104 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill, and makes the following change: Provides that nothing contained in the Act shall require an employer to sponsor any applicant or employee to obtain or modify work authorization status, unless otherwise required by federal law. Effective immediately.