IL HB1353

Expands employment protections for volunteer emergency workers to cover required training absences, not just emergency responses

Prohibits employers from penalizing (not just terminating) volunteer emergency workers for absences related to emergencies or mandatory training

Prevents employers from requiring volunteer emergency workers to use vacation time or compensatory time for emergency responses or training participation

Raises the municipal employer exemption threshold from 7,500 population to 15,000 population, extending protections to workers employed by mid-sized municipalities

Allows employees who are terminated, penalized, or disciplined in violation of the Act to bring civil action seeking reinstatement, back wages, and restoration of benefits within one year