On July 1, several new laws in Illinois will come into effect, impacting thousands of residents across the state. These laws cover a range of issues from minimum wage adjustments to enhanced protections for freelance workers and social media influencers.
Starting next month, Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance will increase the minimum wage for thousands of service industry workers who currently earn sub-minimum wages. Over the next five years, these workers will see their base pay rise to $15.80 an hour, with additional earnings from tips. This move aims to improve the living standards for service industry employees, ensuring fair compensation for their work.
Beginning July 1, undocumented immigrants living in Illinois will be permitted to obtain driver’s licenses. This legislation is a significant step in eliminating barriers to opportunity that many undocumented immigrants face. Governor J.B. Pritzker emphasized that this law aims to make roads safer, decrease stigma, and create more equitable systems for all. To obtain a license, individuals must pass a driving test, have valid car insurance, present identification documents, and prove at least one year of residency within Illinois. These licenses will comply with the requirements set forth in the federal REAL ID Act.
Enhanced protections for freelance workers in Illinois will also go into effect on July 1. This bill obligates companies to pay freelance workers on or before the date their contractually agreed payments are due. If contracts do not specify a payment date, compensation is due no later than 30 days after the completion of work. The bill also protects freelance workers against threats, intimidation, discipline, harassment, and discrimination. Violations can be reported to the Illinois Department of Labor.
A new bill aimed at protecting “child influencers” will go into effect. This law targets children who appear in viral content on social media rather than traditional child actors and musicians. Children under 16 will be entitled to a portion of their gross earnings, with parents required to maintain records of their children’s appearances in social media content. Earnings must be set aside in trust accounts until the children reach 18. Additionally, individuals now over 18 can take legal action if they appeared in monetized social media videos as children and were not properly compensated at the time.
This bill requires school boards to hold public votes before approving new contracts for district-administered assessment tests given to students. These meetings must be publicized and take place in the open, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process regarding educational assessments.
Starting July 1, Chicago’s hourly minimum wage will increase from $15.80 to $16.20 per hour for companies with 21 or more employees. For those with 20 or fewer employees, the minimum wage will rise to $15.80 per hour. This increment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure fair wages for all workers in the city.
Beginning on July 1, all Chicago employees who work at least 80 hours within a 120-day period will be eligible for up to five days of paid leave and five days of paid sick leave. This new provision aims to support workers by allowing them to take necessary time off without financial penalties.