IL HB2161

Adds "family responsibilities" as a protected classification under the Illinois Human Rights Act, defined as an employee's actual or perceived provision of personal care to a family member.

Expands the definition of "harassment" to include unwelcome conduct based on family responsibilities that substantially interferes with work performance or creates a hostile working environment.

Extends protections to unpaid interns by including them in the definition of "employee" for purposes of harassment protections.

Prohibits employers from imposing language restrictions on employees' communications unrelated to job duties, except for slang, jargon, profanity, or vulgarity.

Clarifies that employers are not required to make accommodations or modify workplace policies specifically for family responsibilities, as long as policies are applied consistently in accordance with the Act.