Prairie State Wire

Legislation aimed at granting workers in Illinois the right to sit during their work hours has stalled in the state legislature. The bill, known as the Right to Sit at Work Act, failed to progress in the Illinois House before the deadline for third reading.

The proposed legislation, referred to as HB 3249 (Jimenez), outlined requirements for employers to provide seating for employees when their job duties could reasonably accommodate sitting. Additionally, new workspace designs would be mandated to include seating if viable.

Importantly, the bill also included provisions for workers to take legal action against their employers should they feel their rights under the act were infringed.

Although the bill passed the House Labor & Commerce Committee on March 19, with a vote split along party lines, it did not secure enough backing to advance in the House. Consequently, it was sent back to the House Rules Committee on April 11.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) opposed the measure both during committee discussions and on the House floor.