Illinois General Assembly Approves SB3777 to Preserve and Strengthen Civil Rights Protections Under the Illinois Human Rights Act

SPRINGFIELD, IL– The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) today applauded the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of Senate Bill 3777, legislation that codifies disparate impact protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act. The measure advances at a time when federal policy changes have raised questions about the future of disparate impact enforcement, reaffirming Illinois’ longstanding commitment to equal opportunity and civil rights protections.

The legislation ensures that policies and practices that may appear neutral on their face, but result in unlawful discriminatory effects, can continue to be addressed under Illinois law in areas including employment, financial credit, and public accommodations.

The bill was sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and advanced with support from civil rights advocates, community organizations, and stakeholders across Illinois.

If signed into law, Senate Bill 3777 will help ensure Illinois maintains strong and enforceable civil rights protections regardless of changes in federal enforcement priorities while providing greater certainty for employers, businesses, housing providers, financial institutions, and the public.

Upon enactment, the legislation will further strengthen Illinois’ role as a national leader in protecting civil rights and expanding access to opportunity.

A few examples of who this bill preserves these protections for:

• Survivors of domestic and sexual violence who are disproportionately female
• Black and Brown homeowners and consumers who face barriers from redlining
• Immigrants and naturalized citizens who face barriers to language access
• Disabled veterans who face housing voucher-based discrimination
• LGBTQ+ persons who face sex discrimination
• Students with disabilities who face inequitable school policies 

The approved legislation will need to go to the Governor’s desk for signature. If signed, the law will go into effect January 1, 2027.

For more information regarding legislative updates visit, idhr.illinois.gov/legislative/updates. 

About the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) enforces the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in connection with employment opportunities, housing and real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public services and public accommodations, including educational institutions. Any Illinoisan who believes they have been a victim of discrimination can file a charge with IDHR within 2 years of the date of the incident (effective Jan. 1, 2025) or within one year of a housing violation. To file a charge with IDHR, call (877) 236-7703 or 7-1-1 for *TTY users or visit dhr.illinois.gov/filing-a-charge.

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