Happy New Year! With the changing of the calendar come changes in the legal code. As of January 1, 2019, more than 180 new laws became active in Illinois, many of which impact small business owners in some way or another. You can find the entire list of new laws here, but we’ve highlighted several that affect small business owners below.

  • The late fee penalty for LLC annual report filing decreased from $300.00 to $100.00. HB4578 
  • Employers must reimburse their employees for necessary costs incurred in order to fulfill their job responsibilities. This includes “bring your own device” policies, which require employees to use personal cell phones, tablets, or computers for work purposes. SB2999 
  • Employers of mandated reporters (including but not limited to child care workers, hospital personnel, medical providers, registered nurses, school administrators and teachers, police officers, and social workers) must inform their employees of available mandated reporter training. SB2516 
  • The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) must provide a sexual harassment training program for professions that require continuing education. HB 4953 
  • All companies that make a bid under Illinois’ procurement code must have a sexual harassment policy, and all companies that claim EDGE (Economic Development for a Growing Economy) tax credits must include their sexual harassment policy in their annual report to the state. SB405 
  • Places of employment, places of worship, and schools can ask the court for an order against any person stalking their locations. If order is granted, that person may have to give up their firearms and FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card. SB3411 
  • Severance pay from local government contracts must not exceed more than 20 weeks of compensation, and such contracts must prohibit severance pay entirely when the employee has been fired for misconduct. SB3604

Many of these laws put even more responsibilities on employers’ backs, so it’s important to know their nuts and bolts and how they may affect your business. Have questions about what these changes mean for you? G & G Law is here to help. Contact us today!