IL HB5516

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to make it a civil rights violation for employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or public employers to refuse to hire, segregate, or discriminate in recruitment, hiring, or selection for training or apprenticeship based on a person's unemployment status.

Prohibits employers from imposing language restrictions that prevent employees from speaking their native language in communications unrelated to job duties; defines "language" as native tongues like Polish, Spanish, or Chinese but excludes slang, jargon, profanity, or vulgarity.

Expands pregnancy-related protections by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions unless accommodation would impose undue hardship on business operations.

Requires employers to post notices in conspicuous locations and include information in employee handbooks about employee rights under the Illinois Human Rights Act, including protections from unlawful discrimination and rights to reasonable accommodations.

Maintains existing civil rights provisions regarding employer discrimination based on citizenship status, sexual harassment, religious discrimination, age discrimination in training programs, and immigration-related employment practices.