IL HB0617

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall design and implement the New Remote Worker Grant Program with a certification process for new remote workers and qualifying expenses.

New remote workers may receive grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000 per individual.

Grants awarded on first-come, first-serve basis with funding caps of $125,000 in 2021, $250,000 in 2022, $125,000 in 2023, and $100,000 per year thereafter, subject to appropriation.

"New remote worker" defined as a full-time employee of an out-of-state business who became an Illinois resident on or after January 1, 2021, and performs majority of work remotely within the state.

Qualifying expenses include relocation costs, computer software and hardware, broadband access or upgrades, and co-working space memberships necessary for employment duties.