IL HB5518

Creates the Transportation Benefit Program Act, requiring employers in Cook County and specified Illinois townships with 25 or more full-time employees to offer transportation benefits to workers.

Covered employees averaging 35+ hours per week may exclude commuting costs from taxable wages for public transit passes or qualified parking, up to the maximum allowed by federal tax law.

Employers may comply by establishing their own program or participating in programs offered by the Chicago Transit Authority or Regional Transportation Authority.

Transit agencies must market the program to riders to inform affected employees and employers about the benefit.

Effective January 1, 2019; does not diminish collective bargaining rights or affect existing collective bargaining agreements.