CONSENT-REQUIRED WORKPLACE ACT

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Consent-Required Workplace Act. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Defines terms. Provides that an employer shall require active consent for any physical touch beyond a handshake between colleagues, contractors, customers, students, direct reports, or business-to-business clients. Provides that a person with a higher pay grade or higher status than another person shall not ask the other person to initiate a physical touch beyond a handshake or engage in unwanted or offensive speech. Provides that if employees develop a personal relationship, active consent paperwork may be filed with their employer. Provides that if a non-consensual behavior complaint is filed against an employer, the employer's policy shall be updated within 7 business days to address the current complaint. Provides that any employer having a complaint of a violation filed against it with the Department of Human Rights is subject to randomized auditing to ensure the company has an acceptable policy and is following the policy to protect its employees. Provides that if an employer receives 10 or more non-consensual behavior complaints, the Department is required to conduct an audit. Provides that a violation of the new provisions constitutes a civil rights violation. Provides that, in addition to any remedies available under the Act, a person or employer is subject to a $1,000 penalty for each violation, collectible by the Department and to be used by the Department for the administration of the new provisions. Effective January 1, 2020.