HB4260 Summary: Ethnic Group Terminology

• Amends multiple Illinois Acts to standardize racial and ethnic group definitions across state law, removing outdated terminology like "Haitian" and "Negro" as acceptable alternatives for "Black or African American."

• Adds "Descendant of American Slaves" as a new racial/ethnic category in addition to existing categories (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander).

• Permits alternative terminology for "Descendant of American Slaves" including "Black," "African American," or "American Descendant of Slavery" to be used interchangeably.

• Updates definitions in multiple statutes including employment records, public aid, education, insurance licensing, higher education, business procurement, criminal code, and human rights laws to reflect the new standardized categories.

• Maintains consistent racial and ethnic classifications across state government hiring, contracting, reporting requirements, and civil rights enforcement mechanisms.