Illinois lawmakers are considering several bills this year that could affect small businesses in the state. The proposed legislation covers a range of topics, including paid leave, employment practices, and minimum wage.
One bill, SB 2413 sponsored by Villivalam, would create a job or payroll tax on both workers and employers to support a state-run paid-leave program. Another proposal, SB 2967 introduced by Johnson, seeks to provide an extra 40 hours of paid leave for employees with menstrual health conditions. This would be in addition to what is already offered under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act.
SB 3052 from Collins aims to change current employment law by ending at-will employment in Illinois. If passed, employers would need to show just cause before terminating an employee.
On the other hand, SB 3535 from Rose proposes a tax credit for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. This credit would help offset costs related to providing paid leave as required by existing law.
Another measure, SB 3614 (Turner) and its companion HB 4874 (Elik), calls for the creation of small business asset purchase accounts. These accounts are intended to give small businesses more flexibility in making investment decisions based on their operational needs rather than tax deadlines.
A separate set of bills—SB 3821 (Lightford) and HB 5366 (Hernandez)—would raise the state’s minimum wage to $27 per hour by the year 3032. The proposals also include eliminating the tip credit and allowing non-injured interest groups to file lawsuits against employers over minimum wage issues.
These bills represent only a portion of the many legislative proposals currently under review during this session of the Illinois General Assembly.
“Would these proposals impact your small business? If so, register to attend NFIB’s Small Business Day Legislative Reception on February 24 to share your story with legislators! Or, if you’re unable to make it, email State Director Noah Finley at noah.finley@nfib.org, so that he can share your story and concerns.”
