Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Senate Labor Committee recently voted to advance Senate Bill 1976. This regulatory bill is set to impose additional regulations and associated costs on the state's small businesses. It requires state agencies to enforce federal regulations from the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, as they existed on January 19, 2025.

The bill does not exempt regulations that have been invalidated by federal courts or have been superseded through updated regulatory practices. Among the included rules are the DOL Overtime Rule, DOL Independent Contractor Rule, and OSHA Walkaround Rule. Following its passage from the committee, the bill is to be held in the Senate for potential amendments, addressing concerns from the Illinois Department of Labor.

Noah Finley, NFIB Illinois State Director, commented on the bill, stating, “Even as DC, Europe, and Britain look to roll back costly and job-killing regulations, this proposal doubles down on an anti-growth agenda.” He emphasized that "Main Street businesses and their employees in Illinois need regulatory relief, not additional red tape.”