The Illinois legislature has recently passed sweeping legislation affecting workplace policies, including adding new protected classes.
As of January 1, 2025, Illinois now protects employees who provide family care from discrimination in the workplace. The law means that employees who have “family responsibilities” cannot be discriminated against because of said responsibilities. The law defines family responsibilities as “an employee’s actual or perceived provision of personal care to a family member.” Covered family members include an employee’s child, stepchild, spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandchild, grandparent, or stepparent. Examples of “personal care” could include, but is not limited to, taking a family member to the doctor, supporting their medical, hygiene, nutritional, or safety needs, and providing support to a family member suffering from a serious health condition.
This means that employees with family responsibilities are now protected from discrimination, harassment, and protection from retaliation if they allege discrimination on the basis of family responsibilities.
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