HB5371 Summary

• Amends the Freedom of Information Act by adding exemptions including data exempt from disclosure under Section 2-3.196 of the School Code and information exempt under Section 7-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

• Expands the definition of "real estate transaction" in the Illinois Human Rights Act to include any act that makes available such a transaction or alters a person's rights to real property.

• Adds a new subsection (H) to Section 3-102 prohibiting the use of criteria or methods that have a discriminatory effect based on familial status, immigration status, source of income, or arrest record in real estate transactions unless necessary to achieve a substantial, legitimate, non-discriminatory interest.

• Increases civil penalties for housing discrimination violations: up to $16,000 for first offenses, $42,500 for one prior violation within 5 years, and $70,000 for two or more prior violations within 7 years.

• Authorizes the Department of Human Rights to establish hotlines and helplines for confidential reporting of discrimination, harassment, and bias incidents, with all communications exempt from Freedom of Information Act disclosure.