By Steven Spencer
A number of new laws are taking effect in Illinois in the new year including new minimum wage laws and some regarding artificial intelligence (AI) regulations.
In addition to minimum wage raising to $15 an hour, employers with 15 or more employees will be required to include information on salary and benefits in job opening postings.
“These laws taking effect in January put more money in the pockets of Illinois workers, increase pay transparency, and better inform workers about their hours worked, deductions, and wages,” Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan said.
“Since day one of my administration, I’ve made it my mission to build an economy that works for everyone and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour fulfills that promise to our working families,” Governor JB Pritzker said.. “This increase honors the workers who power our state and ensures they can better support their families, bringing us closer to a stronger, more equitable economy for all.”
Another new law protects employees from discrimination based on family responsibilities for workers who provide personal care to family members.
The law prohibits employers from making recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, training, discharge, discipline or other conditions of employment based on an individuals care for a family member.
“At one point or another, almost every worker will need to provide personal care to a family member in need,” Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Jim Bennett said. “This law protects employees with family responsibilities from workplace discrimination, ensuring that employment decisions are made on their job performance instead of bias.”
New laws regarding AI will be in place to protect individuals from their voice, image or likeness being used for commercial purposes. Laws will also prohibit the use of AI to generate child pornography to assist law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting cases involving child pornography.
A new law will also be in place that prohibits discrimination based on a person’s reproductive health decisions, including fertility care and abortion.
“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the nation, Illinois is standing strong,” Governor Pritzker said. “This law makes it clear: no one should face discrimination for making personal decisions about their reproductive health. Whether it’s fertility care or abortion, your choices are your own, and your rights are protected.”
“This legislation is more than a law—it’s a declaration of human dignity,” Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said. “We’re affirming that personal medical decisions belong to individuals, not employers or institutions. Illinois is not just protecting a right; we’re championing a fundamental principle of personal autonomy and bodily integrity.”
Read more about new laws that will take effect in 2025 on page A2.