HB1146 Summary

• Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act to require the Illinois Department of Labor to post a link to the federal E-Verify program website on its website until any Employment Eligibility Verification System can automatically verify work authorization status of 99% of employees.

• Removes the prohibition on employers from enrolling in Employment Eligibility Verification Systems and eliminates state-level restrictions on E-Verify participation.

• Establishes employer attestation requirements for E-Verify enrollment, including completion of training materials and posting of federal notices in a prominent location visible to prospective employees.

• Increases damages for willful and knowing violations of employment verification requirements to $500 per affected employee plus costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and actual damages.

• Eliminates preemption provisions that previously prevented local governments from requiring E-Verify use and makes the Act provisions severable; takes effect immediately upon enactment.