IL SB3735

Establishes that every employee has a legal right to inspect, copy, and receive copies of personnel documents, contracts, employee handbooks, and employer policies related to employment qualifications, compensation, benefits, discharge, and disciplinary action.

Requires employers to grant at least 2 inspection requests per calendar year at reasonable intervals, with compliance within 7 working days (or 14 days if necessary), and allows employees to request copies in hardcopy or electronic format.

Permits employees to designate representatives (including lawyers, union stewards, clergy, translators, and press members) to conduct inspections or receive copies on their behalf.

Prohibits employers from charging fees that include imputed costs of staff time, copying machines, computer equipment, or software licensing—fees limited to actual duplication costs only.

Allows employees to bring circuit court actions for violations regardless of whether they filed a Department of Labor complaint, and permits Department complaints regardless of pending court actions; prevailing employees may recover actual damages, $200 plus attorney fees for willful violations, and court costs.