IL SB1596

Adds Section 1.2 to the Workers' Compensation Act allowing employees to pursue civil lawsuits against employers for injuries or deaths where workers' compensation recovery is barred by a period of repose or repose provision.

Adds Section 1.1 to the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act with identical provisions permitting civil actions for occupational diseases where compensation recovery is precluded by repose periods.

Employees, heirs, and legal representatives retain a nonwaivable right to bring wrongful death actions and actions under the Probate Act when repose periods prevent workers' compensation claims.

Modifies Sections 5 and 11 of both the Workers' Compensation Act and Workers' Occupational Diseases Act to clarify these exemptions from liability limitations apply when recovery is barred by repose provisions.

Effective upon becoming law.