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When Governor James Thompson signed the Illinois Human Rights Act in 1979, it brought together the Fair Employment Practices Act, the Rumford Fair Housing Act, and other civil rights protections into a single, comprehensive framework. This consolidation created a more efficient and effective system for protecting civil rights in Illinois.
Legislative Updates
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) works alongside the Illinois General Assembly, community advocates, and stakeholders to strengthen civil rights protections for all Illinoisans. Through careful attention to both ongoing and emerging challenges, we help ensure that the Illinois Human Rights Act continues to meet the needs of our communities.
This page serves as your resource for legislative developments affecting civil rights in Illinois. Whether you're an employer, housing provider, legal practitioner, advocate, or community member, you'll find information about recent and upcoming legislation that may affect you.
Together, we can build a more equitable Illinois.
On this page
Legislative Updates
Learn more about updates and initiatives.
Public Comment Opportunities
Learn how share comment on pending items.
FAQ about Civil Rights Legislation
Read answers to common questions.
Did You Know?
Learn more Illinois facts related to civil rights legislation.
Additional Resources
Find possible next steps or resources from IDHR.
Legislative Updates
House Bills (HB) and Senate Bills (SB) are Department proposed legislation initiatives. If passed during legislative season, the bill will go into law January 1 of the next calendar year.
Public Comment Opportunities
The legislative and regulatory process includes opportunities for public input. Your voice matters in shaping civil rights policy for Illinois. IDHR values input from employers, housing providers, advocacy organizations, legal practitioners, and members of affected communities.
Share Your Perspective:
Public comment periods are a meaningful opportunity to help shape civil rights policy in Illinois. Your experiences and insights inform better, more effective protections for all Illinoisans.
Current Comment Periods
Public Comment periods will be shared on this page - Watch this space for more information.
Types of Public Comment Opportunities
- Proposed Administrative Rules – When IDHR proposes new rules or amendments to regulations implementing the Illinois Human Rights Act, public comment periods are typically 45 days. Proposed rules are published in the Illinois Register.
- Federal Agency Rule-Making – Federal agencies such as HUD and EEOC issue proposed rules affecting enforcement of civil rights laws in Illinois. IDHR monitors federal rule-making and may share information about relevant comment opportunities.
FAQ About Civil Rights Legislation
Did You Know?
Here are a few facts about civil rights legislation in Illinois that might interest you.
Click on a topic below to learn more.
The Illinois Human Rights Act protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical and mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, arrest record (employment), conviction record (employment), unfavorable military discharge, order of protection status, source of income (housing), immigration status (housing), work authorization status (employment), and family responsibilities (employment). Learn more about protected characteristics and jurisdictions here.
Illinois added sexual orientation as a protected class in 2005 and gender identity in 2006, providing explicit protections for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans in employment, housing, and public accommodations years before many other states.
Illinois has been proactive in addressing new forms of discrimination. Recent additions include source of income protections in housing (recognizing that many people use housing vouchers or non-traditional income sources), immigration status protections in housing (ensuring everyone can access safe housing), and regulations on artificial intelligence in employment (addressing how technology can perpetuate bias).
Unlike some federal laws that exempt small businesses, the Illinois Human Rights Act applies to most employers regardless of size. This broad coverage helps ensure that all Illinois workers have protection from discrimination.
Additional Resources
- File a Charge
How to file a charge of unlawful discrimination or harassment. - Learn More About Non-Discrimination Protections
Explore more about protections and rights in Illinois. - Read the Illinois Human Rights Act
Find the full Act on the ILGA website.
- Contact IDHR
Complete our online form to direct your questions or need for services. - Access Free Training Resources
Explore free, online training resources from IDHR.