HB2551 Summary

• Requires bidders to obtain an equal pay certificate from the Department of Employment Security before state purchasing agencies can award contracts to them.

• Bidders must pay a $150 filing fee and submit an equal pay compliance statement certifying compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 2003, the Equal Wage Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

• Certificates are valid for 4 years and require certification that average female employee compensation is not consistently below male employee compensation within major job categories, with consideration for factors like length of service, job requirements, experience, and skill.

• The Department of Employment Security may suspend or revoke certificates for failure to make good-faith compliance efforts or multiple violations, with businesses entitled to administrative review hearings before revocation takes effect.

• Creates the Equal Pay Certificate Fund to receive filing fees and fund administration of the equal pay certificate program by the Department of Employment Security.