SB1480 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to define "conviction record" and prohibit employers from using conviction records as basis for hiring, promotion, or employment decisions unless substantial relationship exists between offense and job or employment poses unreasonable safety risk.

• Requires employers to provide written notice to employees of preliminary disqualification decisions based on conviction records, including reasoning and right to respond within 5 business days before final decision.

• Establishes equal pay registration certificate requirement for private employers with over 100 Illinois employees, requiring $150 filing fee and submission of equal pay compliance statement by January 1, 2026.

• Mandates businesses with 100+ employees submit employment data by gender, race, and ethnicity similar to EEO-1 reports to the Secretary of State for publication on official website within 90 days.

• Creates Equal Pay Registration Fund from filing fees and establishes penalties of 1% of gross profits for businesses failing to obtain certificates or maintaining non-compliant practices; includes whistleblower protections for employees reporting violations.