IL HB5505

Amends Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act to allow benefits during labor disputes caused by employer failure or refusal to comply with employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, or state/federal laws regarding hours, wages, or working conditions.

Provides a 30-day waiting period without benefits for unemployment caused by strikes or other concerted employee activities not authorized by a union, except when the employer hires a permanent replacement worker for the claimant's position.

Presumes replacement workers are permanent unless the employer certifies in writing that the claimant will be rehired after the dispute ends; if the claimant is not rehired, they receive back pay for lost benefits plus the employer faces a penalty up to $750 per employee per week.

Maintains existing protections for workers not participating in labor disputes and clarifies that lockouts by employers do not disqualify workers from benefits under certain conditions.

Becomes effective immediately upon enactment.