We wanted to remind Illinois employers that starting January 1, 2025, the Protections for Whistleblowers will expand. Employers should review and update their procedures for investigating employee complaints, even those unrelated to harassment or discrimination.

Key points:

• Definitions Update: updates the definitions of “employer” and “employee” and introduces new terms such as “adverse employment action,” “public body,” “retaliatory action,” and “supervisor”

• Protection Against Retaliation: employers are prohibited from taking retaliatory actions against employees who disclose or threaten to disclose information about activities, policies, or practices that the employee believes in good faith violate state or federal laws, rules, or regulations, or pose a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

• Additional Relief and Penalties: It includes provisions for additional relief, damages, and penalties for violations of the Act.

• Enforcement: The Attorney General is authorized to initiate or intervene in civil actions to obtain appropriate relief if there is reasonable cause to believe that any person or entity is engaged in prohibited practices

• Effective Date: The changes made by this law will apply to claims arising or complaints filed on or after January 1, 2025

For additional information:

• IL HB 5561
• AG Press Release

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