The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced on March 30 that the Illinois General Assembly is entering its final phase before adjournment, with both chambers having passed their official committee deadlines for moving bills forward. The Senate’s deadline was March 13, while the House’s was March 27. However, the Senate has extended deadlines for many bills, and both chambers retain the ability to waive rules or introduce floor amendments.
This period is significant for small businesses in Illinois as several proposed laws could impact employers across the state. The NFIB outlined a number of bills it has been monitoring, including HB 2565, which would provide unemployment benefits to striking workers after two weeks on strike—a measure opposed by NFIB that has moved out of committee.
Other notable legislation includes HB 3249, granting employees a right to sit and sue if adequate seating is not provided; this bill remains held in committee. HB 3762 proposes strict workplace temperature regulations and expanded legal rights for third parties; it was voted out of committee but will return there before any floor vote. Meanwhile, HB 4263 aims to prevent local governments from eliminating tip credits—an initiative supported by NFIB—and has also cleared committee.
Additional measures include HB 4844 requiring paid jury duty leave (opposed by NFIB), HB 5208 expanding unpaid bereavement leave mandates (opposed), and SB 2762 imposing new health insurance mandates on small businesses but exempting state employee plans due to cost concerns (also opposed). Supportive measures backed by NFIB include HB 5195 creating an energy policy task force and HB 5503 offering new GED pathways and job skills training.
Some high-profile proposals remain held in committee, such as SB 3821/HB5367 seeking a $27 minimum wage and elimination of tip credit—both opposed by NFIB—as well as SB3005 permitting uncapped punitive damages under human rights law. Bills still in committee may advance if rules are waived or through future amendments.
As legislative activity continues ahead of adjournment scheduled for May 31, stakeholders are watching closely for further developments that could affect small business operations across Illinois.
