HB0121 Summary

• Adds "work authorization status" as a protected classification in Illinois Human Rights Act, alongside citizenship status, prohibiting discrimination based on the specific status or term of status accompanying legal work authorization.

• Expands harassment protections to include unwelcome conduct based on work authorization status, with the same standards applying to employees, nonemployees, and contractors in the workplace.

• Prohibits employers from refusing to honor work authorization documents that reasonably appear genuine or from discriminating based on the specific type or duration of work authorization status.

• Clarifies that employers are not required to sponsor applicants or employees to obtain or modify work authorization status unless required by federal law.

• Updates retaliation provisions to protect workers who oppose discrimination based on work authorization status or who request reasonable accommodations under the Act.