IL HB2981

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003 to prohibit employers from compelling or coercing job applicants to purchase anything of value, including fees or any form of payment as a condition of applying for employment or having an application processed.

Adds new subsection (b-25) to Section 10 making it unlawful for employers to require payment from job applicants for: (1) applying for employment orally or in writing; (2) receiving, obtaining, completing, or submitting an application; or (3) providing, accepting, or processing an application.

Amends Section 30 to establish civil penalties for violations of subsection (b-25), allowing employees to recover damages up to $10,000 in special damages, plus compensatory damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees.

Subjects employers or persons violating subsection (b-25) to civil penalties not to exceed $5,000 for each violation for each employee affected, enforceable by the Department of Labor.