SPRINGFIELD — People with family obligations will soon be protected from discrimination from their employer, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Natalie Toro.

“Having family responsibilities does not make a person unable to fulfill their work duties,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Overlooking someone for an opportunity or promotion because of their obligations outside of work should never have been allowed, and I am glad this law will protect working families from unjust treatment.”

Previously, Illinois employment law prevented discrimination based on gender, race, sexuality and other characteristics, but did not explicitly protect people with family obligations from workplace discrimination. Family obligations include providing care for family members, such as young children, older adults and people with disabilities. This means that prospective employees with children could have been passed up for job opportunities in favor of applicants without children or family caregiving obligations because caregivers were an unprotected class.

The new law – House Bill 2161 – prohibits workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on family obligations. This will help ensure fair treatment regardless of outside responsibilities, allowing employees to be evaluated for the merits of their work, not assumptions based on their home lives.

"All too often, family caregivers get passed over for hiring or promotion simply based on the perception that their home life will get in the way," State Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), the House sponsor of the bill, said. "Just because you have kids at home, or you're caring for an elderly parent or ailing spouse, that alone doesn't mean you can't do your job, and it shouldn't be used to pay you less. This legislation will help countless people in our community and across the state of Illinois succeed at work while caring for their loved ones."

House Bill 2161 was signed into law Friday. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.