IL HB5558

Department of Human Rights gains power to intervene in pending complaints before the Human Rights Commission regarding employment, financial credit, public accommodations, education, and civil rights violations under Articles 2, 4, 5, 5A, and 6.

Department may petition to intervene as a matter of right if the Commission determines the case involves matters of public interest, the Department has a different interest than existing parties, the Department's expertise better suits articulating a point of view, or existing parties' representation may be inadequate.

Department intervening as a party receives all rights of an original party and the Commission may award relief authorized under Section 8A-104 upon intervention.

Attorney General may seek to intervene on behalf of the Department in civil actions filed by complainants in State or federal court if the Department certifies the case is of general public importance.

Upon Attorney General intervention in civil court, the court may award remedies set forth in Section 8A-104 and subsection (B) of Section 10-104.