IL HB5444

Creates an 11-member Economic Data Task Force within the Department of Employment Security to analyze expanding public access to state employment data while protecting confidentiality.

Task Force membership includes appointees from legislative leadership (4 members), the Governor (1 member), the Director as ex officio chairman, and 5 additional members appointed by the Director representing employees, employers, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, and academic researchers.

Task Force shall analyze potential benefits and feasibility of expanding public access to Department data, including data collected under agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor, and shall hold at least 3 public hearings before making recommendations.

All Task Force findings and recommendations must be posted on the Department website subject to federal and state confidentiality requirements; Task Force members and Department employees must be designated as federal Bureau of Labor Statistics agents subject to civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure.

Task Force shall submit its final report and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2013, and shall be dissolved upon submission of the report.