Prairie State Wire

SB 1976, a legislative proposal in Illinois, would require the state to adopt several workplace regulations introduced by the Biden Administration, including the OSHA Walkaround Rule. This requirement would come into effect if these federal rules are modified or rolled back by a new administration.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is currently challenging the federal OSHA Walkaround Rule in court. The rule allows union representatives and plaintiff attorneys to participate in OSHA inspections at non-union workplaces. If SB 1976 is enacted and the federal rule is rescinded, Illinois agencies would be mandated to establish a similar regulation at the state level.

This legislation has raised concerns among business owners who argue that it could increase regulatory burdens and civil liability for small businesses. Critics claim that it would disadvantage Illinois employers by granting union organizers and plaintiffs' attorneys access to private workplaces.

The NFIB urges residents to communicate with their legislators in Springfield, expressing opposition to the adoption of such rules which they believe could impose additional costs and compliance requirements on small businesses in Illinois.