HB0059 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to modify procedures for filing and processing civil rights violation charges, including changing timeframes for respondent replies and complainant requests for Department action.

• Changes the deadline for complainants to request the Department file a complaint from 14 days to 30 days after receiving the Director's notice of substantial evidence.

• Extends the timeframe for filing requests for review of dismissal orders with the Human Rights Commission from 30 days to 90 days in certain circumstances.

• Allows complainants who do not timely request Department action to file their own complaint directly with the Commission or commence civil action in circuit court (removing the "only" restriction).

• Applies these amendments to charges filed on or after the effective date of the 96th General Assembly changes.