IL HB5386

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to establish "disparate impact" as a basis for civil rights violations, making policies or practices that have discriminatory effects illegal even without discriminatory intent.

Expands the definition of "unlawful discrimination" to include discrimination "whether by purpose or effect," covering protected characteristics including race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and reproductive health decisions.

Creates new civil rights violations for employers, financial institutions, and credit card issuers that use criteria or methods resulting in discriminatory effects, unless necessary to achieve a substantial legitimate interest with no less discriminatory alternative available.

Requires the Act's provisions be "construed liberally" for broad remedial purposes, independent of how federal civil rights laws are interpreted, while exemptions must be construed narrowly to maximize deterrence.

May be cited as the "Civil Rights Safeguard Act" and adds Section 6-103 extending disparate impact protections to public accommodations.