HB 4139

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that the Department of Human Rights must charge the complainant a fee of $100 for filing a charge, that the fee must be paid in advance, and that it may not be waived. Provides that if a complainant who has filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notifies the Department of his or her decision to proceed with the Department, the Department shall charge the complainant the filing fee and the Department shall close the case if the complainant does not pay the filing fee. Provides that no filing fee may be imposed when a charge is issued by the Department itself under the signature of the Director of Human Rights. Provides that the Department may not charge a respondent a filing fee for filing a response, appearance, or other pleading. Provides that the Human Rights Commission, upon finding a civil rights violation, may direct the respondent to pay the amount of the filing fee to the complainant.