IL HB3898

Creates the High Roads Kitchen Program administered by the Illinois Department of Labor to certify restaurants that voluntarily eliminate gratuity allowances and pay full minimum wage to tipped employees.

Establishes eligibility requirements for certification: restaurants must take no gratuity allowance, complete approved equity training for all owners and employees, and have no wage law violations in the prior 3 years.

Provides certified restaurants with a certificate to display and listing on the Department's website as recognition benefits.

Phases out the gratuity allowance for tipped workers: reduces from 40% of minimum wage through June 30, 2024, to 20% from July 1-December 31, 2024, to 10% in 2025, and eliminates it entirely on and after January 1, 2026.

Prohibits employers from retaining employee gratuities or allowing managers and supervisors to keep any portion of tips, and requires violating restaurants face fines up to $1,500 per day with potential certification revocation.