HB 4604

Abstract

Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Provides that citations and notice of violations may be sent to an employer by email to an email address previously designated by the employer for purposes of receiving notice. Provides that a public employer that intentionally violates specified provisions may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 per violation (rather than $10,000). Provides that a person may not discharge or in any way discriminate against an employee because the employee has discussed health or safety concerns with a co-worker or authorized employee representative. Provides that in discrimination actions the Department of Labor shall be represented by the Attorney General. Makes changes in provisions concerning occupational safety and health standards; employers' records; informal review; and hearings. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: In provisions concerning discrimination against employees, provides that a person may not discharge or in any way discriminate against an employee because the employee has reported potential violations of the Act to a member of management with authority to address the concerns (rather than discussed health or safety concerns with a co-worker or authorized employee representative). House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to: 820 ILCS 112/11 Amends the Equal Pay Act. In provisions concerning equal pay registration certificate requirements, provides that the term "business" means any private employer who has 100 or more employees (rather than more than 100 employees) in the State of Illinois and is required to file an Annual Employer Information Report EEO-1 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Makes the changes made to the Equal Pay Act of 2003 effective immediately.