As discussed in this guidance, various provisions of federal and state law prohibit retaliation against employees for raising safety and health concerns. More than 180 new laws are set to take effect on January 1, 2023, covering a range of issues big and small that affect Illinoisans. Employers should never require employees or other workers at the workplace to report to work while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. This Executive Order supersedes EO 2021-24 and EO 2021-25. The two-week extension allows for hospitals and schools to implement their own testing, vaccine and accountability protocols. Reissues and amends previous executive orders through May 28, 2022. MODIFIES REGIONAL MITIGATION METRICS Defines the metrics for any of the 11 regions to move to less or more restrictive mitigation measures. SB 58: Lowers the registration fee for trailers weighing less than 3,000 lbs. All officers in the state will be required to wear them by the beginning of 2025. Supporters say it will ensure workers will always be able to use collective bargaining to secure better pay, hours and working conditions. WARNING: Site will be down from 8-12PM CT. INFORMATION: Il.gov is a great site to visit. REGION 6 MITIGATIONS Region 6 East-Central Illinois has reported three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher. SB 1879 amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code to ban fishing for carp, catfish, buffalo, suckers, gar, bowfin, shad and drum with a pitchfork, spear gun, bow and arrow, slingshot bow, spear or gig on or across from any public right of way or highway in the state. On January 7, 2022, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) filed peremptory rules adopting the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). STAY AT HOME ORDER EXTENSION An extension of the states disaster proclamation, requiring individuals to stay at home or their place of residence for an additional 30 days. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through May 29, 2021. This guidance includes recommendations for all types of businesses and venues, customers, and employees in order to help maintain healthy environments and operations, as well as lower the risk of COVID-19 spread. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through April 3, 2021. In addition, requires universal masking in private long-term care facilities. Employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 can be asked to leave the workplace and stay at home until it has been 10 days since their symptoms first appeared and 24 hours with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving.3An employee with a medical condition that causes symptoms similar to COVID-19 may provide their employer with medical documentation that their symptoms are due to a different condition in order to continue reporting to work. Employees who have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering may seek a reasonable accommodation from these requirements. from $118 to $36. SB 01600: Requires restaurants and truck stops to provide employees with training in the recognition of human trafficking, and protocols for reporting observed human trafficking to proper authorities. Working from home may be a reasonable accommodation under some circumstances. RELIEF FOR UTILITY CUSTOMERS - Temporarily suspends two provisions of the Illinois Energy Assistance Act. Employers are further prohibited from retaliating against an employee when the employee discloses information that they have reasonable cause to believe is a violation of a state or federal law, rule, or regulation. REGION 5 MITIGATIONS Region 5 has reported three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher. As Welch's first year as House speaker comes to a close, new requirements for schools, state ethics rules, criminal justice and animal ownership are among the 296 laws taking effect Jan. 1, according to a list prepared by Senate Democrats. REGIONS 2, 3, AND 5 RESUME TIER 2 MITIGATIONS Region 2 (Northern Illinois), Region 3 (North-Central Illinois), and Region 5 (Southern Illinois) have met the metrics for a reduction of mitigations. NEW STAY AT HOME ORDER This new order allows Illinoisans to leave their home for essential activities, including for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity, for certain types of work, to take care of others, and to engage in the free exercise of religion, but otherwise requires them to stay at home or their place of residence to prevent spread of COVID-19. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations are instituted for the Metro East region, comprised of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington Counties for restaurants and bars, meetings and social events, and gaming and casinos. HB 00033: Prohibits companies from denying life insurance coverage based on a person participating in substance use treatment or recovery support programs. If an employee believes they have been fired, demoted, or harassed because their employer believes that they are from a country where there is a high incidence of COVID-19 cases, they may file a charge with the IDHR. Court Operations: The Winnebago County and Boone County Courts are hearing all matters pursuant to the provisions set forth in Administrative Order 2022-12 and General Order 1.03. . This shall not be construed as relieving any individual of the obligation to pay rent or comply with a lease or rental agreement. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through January 9, 2021. RESTAURANTS & BARS Beginning March 16 at 9 p.m., bars and restaurants must suspend on-premises consumption, but are permitted to continue delivery service, drive-through and curbside pick-up. The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act requires that, after separation from employment, employees must be paid all final compensation, including bonus payments, vacation pay, wages and commissions on their next regularly scheduled payday. HB 00168: Prohibits individuals from possessing animals if theyve been convicted of two or more specified animal-related offenses. HB 633 establishes the Vegetable Garden Protection Act, which makes Illinois the second state in the nation to enshrine the right to cultivate a vegetable garden into state law. Schools must follow IDPH guidance and all schools may continue to provide food and other non-educational services. Further guidance concerning the use of face coverings is available on IDHRs website. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers may not require a COVID-19 antibody test before allowing employees to return to work. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through February 6, 2021. Watch Live. Unsigned applications for public assistance received by mail can be signed by a verbal attestation by telephone. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. Business can continue with employees working from home. SB 00119: Public health departments at the state and local level may not regulate the sale of lemonade or other non-alcoholic drinks or mixed beverages by a person under the age of 16. First, not all individuals classified as 1099 employees are actually independent contractors as defined by the Unemployment Insurance Act. The bill was passed following media attention on a decision by administrators of Providence St. Mel School on Chicago's West Side to enforce a dress code banning braids and other hairstyles associated with African Americans on the law's 4-year-old namesake. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. FORENSIC SERVICES Suspends admissions to Illinois Department of Human Services Forensic Treatment Programs from Illinois county jails. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through November 13, 2021. If an employee affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or a pregnancy-related medical condition requests a job modification or adjustment such as telecommuting or staggering schedules, the employer must provide the accommodation unless it would pose an undue hardship on the business. The Office of the Illinois Attorney General has issued more detailed guidance on the FFCRA and paid sick leave. Find recently issued legally binding orders and regulations help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help our country cope during the pandemic. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees ability to engage in protected concerted activity for mutual aid or protection in both union and non-union settings. Reissues previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic through January 6, 2023. CIVIL PROCEDURE Suspends sections in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure that permit the service of a garnishment summons, wage deduction summons, or a citation to discover assets on a consumer debtor or consumer garnishee. If it is not feasible for employees to work from home, employers should consider what arrangements can be made to limit the number of employees who are together in the workplace at any one time. The SAFE-T Act also requires that all Illinois police officers wear body cameras by 2025, establishes a more defined system for police complaints, and requires more law enforcement training. Suspends certain requirements, including the need for an adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to obtain an agent identification card from IDFPR prior to beginning work at a dispensary and the need for a medical or adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to keep an agent identification card visible at all times when in the dispensary. CHICAGO (WLS) -- With the start of the New Year, there is always a new set of laws going into effect. Alert Message: Anyone, 6 months of age and older, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Economic Recovery. Suspends specific provisions in the Hospital Licensing Act, the Hospital Report Card Act, the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law, the Illinois Adverse Health Care Events Reporting Law of 2005, and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations are implemented for restaurants and bars, meetings and social events, gaming and casinos and for all workplaces, effective November 4, 2020. REGIONS 3 MITIGATIONS Region 3, West-Central Illinois, has reported three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher. VARIOUS PROVISIONS Suspends the date of each townships annual meeting for calendar year 2020. Amends Executive Order 2022-06 and establishes that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, shall continue to be required to wear a face covering (1) where federally required; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities and homeless shelters; and (3) in healthcare settings. It establishes some limitations on lawmakers' ability to lobby their former co-workers immediately after leaving office, adds some restrictions to compensated lobbying by state and local officials, and expands lobbyist registration requirements. Statewide, the minimum wage increases by $1 to $12 per hour as part of a measure approved in 2019,. SB 564 amends the School Code to add a requirement that history curriculum in public school includes the contributions of Americans from different faiths, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs. REGIONS 9 MITIGATIONS Region 9, Lake and McHenry counties, has reported three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher. Here's a look at some of the most interesting laws set to go into effect. Additional frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and unemployment insurance are available on the IDES website. ON NOW. The amendment to the state constitution to guarantee government employees the right to organize and collectively bargain over terms of employment. REGIONS 4 AND 10 MITIGATIONS Region 4, the Metro East, has had a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days. The following measures are not currently legal requirements, but steps employers are encouraged to take to promote a healthy work environment and to limit the spread of COVID- 19. Also suspends the requirement that the Department must approve or deny an application for a medical or adult use cannabis cultivation center agent identification card within a certain amount of days. IDPH will continue to conduct on-site reviews to the extent feasible. Permits service of pleadings to be conducted personally, by first-class mail, or by electronic mail. It will soon be a new year, and that means that new laws are set to go into effect, with nearly 300 new measures beginning on Jan. 1. Provides the authority for the governor to sign additional executive orders to extend the Stay at Home order. Employers should also clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared equipment, etc. If an employee has a disability that affects the employees risk of contracting COVID-19 or increases the harm if the employee does contract the virus, they should request a reasonable accommodation from their employer. (Employees should be aware that they may have to cover their portion of the health insurance expense that is typically deducted from their pay.). Schools no longer can crack down on nonwhite hairstyles, and they must do more to protect children from sexual misconduct. BBB shares top scams of 2022 . Under the IHRA and federal law, an individual with a disability has the right to request a reasonable accommodation from their employer. The amendments also clarified other controversial elements of the bill, including that police can still arrest someone for trespassing, and that judges can issue arrest warrants when someone misses court. . All state agencies must submit annual reports showing how they have worked to increase the diversity of their workforce. Reissues previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic through November 14, 2022. New Illinois Laws For 2022 Include First-In-Nation Legislation Bills taking effect next month create new rules for school districts, limit police from lying to children and establish a. When families of fallen Illinois service members who died during state or federal active duty are honored, their next of kin will be presented an Illinois state flag. Employers should provide face coverings at no charge to employees who are not able to maintain a minimum 6-foot social distance at all times; Ensure that all spaces where employees may gather, including locker rooms and lunchrooms, allow for social distancing; Ensure that all visitors (customers, vendors, etc.) The order expands the use of available emergency relief dollars for Illinois utility customers currently at risk of service disconnections following the end of the winter moratorium, and maximizes the number of households eligible for relief. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. Under the Illinois school code, teachers receive a minimum of 10 sick days per year in line with national averages, according to the National Center for Teacher Quality . Employers will want to ensure that all workers who perform work on-site, including employees, temporary employees and independent contractors, receive workplace safety training that includes training on COVID-19 symptoms and how to self-assess for symptoms. NOTARY AND WITNESS GUIDELINES - any act of notarization or witnessing required by Illinois law may be completed remotely by via two-way audio-video communication technology provided that the acts follows specific guidelines set forth in the Order and by the Secretary of State. An employers failure to contribute to the unemployment system will not impact an individual claimants eligibility for benefits. Under the latter bill, feminine hygiene products will now be available for free at homeless shelters that provide housing assistance to women and youth. Generally, isolation can be discontinued when all three conditions are met: 10 days have passed since symptoms started, no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever- reducing medications, and other symptoms are improving. Related: Illinois 1st State To Ban Lying To Minors During Interrogation. The amendment passed with more than 50% support from the overall vote in the midterm. REGIONS 11 MITIGATIONS Region 11, the City of Chicago, has triggered both a sustained increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations over the last 10 days and averaged greater than or equal to an 8 percent positivity rate for three consecutive days. MASK REQUIREMENT FOR SCHOOLS AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILTIES Requires masks for students, teachers, and staff at pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools and day cares, consistent with the CDC guidance. HB 03653: Counties and cities with populations greater than 500,000 will require all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras. HB 796, an amendment to the Public University Uniform Admission Pilot Program Act, requires that the University of Illinois establish a four-year pilot program guaranteeing that all applicants who speak English proficiently, graduated high school and attended community college in Illinois and earned at least 36 credits with a grade point average of at least 3.0 be allowed to attend. CHICAGO A slate of new city, county and state laws in 2022 will affect education, criminal justice, deportation and eating out for Chicagoans. As Illinois continues through the Restore Illinois plan and regional mitigation measures, employers and employees1are navigating difficult questions about how to maintain a safe and healthy workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. If two or more employees report having COVID-19 related symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, the employer must notify their local health department within 24 hours of being informed of the presence of COVID-19 symptoms or positive test results. Related: Illinois First State To Mandate Asian American History In Schools. BBB shares top scams of 2022 . Those who agree to fingerprinting are granted streamlined processes for renewing FOID and CCL cards. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (IDOC) Suspends the allowable time period for furloughs and the phrase for a period of time not to exceed 14 days. The phrase to obtain medical, psychiatric or psychological services when adequate services are not otherwise available shall be suspended and furloughs for medical, psychiatric or psychological purposes shall be allowed. CHICAGO (AP) Four years ago, Paul Vallas finished toward the bottom of the pack in a crowded race for Chicago mayor. SB 00512: The Preventing Youth Vaping Act aims to prevent vaping by children, placing additional restrictions on e-cigarettes, including imposing additional civil and criminal penalties. Individuals with Green Cards issued by the federal government are generally able and available to work and may be eligible for unemployment benefits.