IL HB4856

Employees who gain custody of a child through birth, adoption, foster care, or other means within the previous 4 weeks are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for bonding purposes.

Employers cannot require employees to use existing paid leave instead of this bonding leave; employees may voluntarily substitute other paid leave if they choose.

Leave may be taken continuously or intermittently in minimum increments of 2 hours, and employees must be reinstated to their former or equivalent position with no loss of benefits upon return.

Health insurance benefits must be maintained during the leave period, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who exercise rights under the Act.

Violations are enforced by the Illinois Department of Labor, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per affected employee; employees may file complaints within 60 days of a violation.