Labor & Employment

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to allow an individual who has received a short-term approval license under the Illinois Administrative Code to extend the validity of the short-term approval license beyond the expiration date if the individual has taken leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Requires the State Board of Education to allow an extension beyond the expiration date equal to or greater than the number of days the individual took for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that certain provisions related to probationary separation, term appointments, and veterans hospital visits are subject to Jurisdiction B. Changes references to veterans hospital visits to references to veterans medical appointments. Provides that an employee who is also a veteran shall be permitted 4 days per year to receive medical care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at any type of health care provider or health care facility (rather than permitted 4 days per year to visit a veterans hospital or clinic), for examination or treatment (rather than for examination) of a military service-connected condition (rather than service-connected disability).

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Defines "public sector attorney" as any of the following attorneys who are not managerial employees: Assistant State's Attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders, Assistant Appellate Defenders, Assistant Appellate Prosecutors, and attorneys in the office of the Cook County Public Guardian. Provides that public sector attorneys may not strike. Provides that, if there is an impasse between a unit of public sector attorneys and a public employer, the parties shall submit the dispute to interest arbitration. Effective December 1, 2026.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility shall ensure that it has the necessary labor force in order to fulfill its duties under the Act. Provides that no substantial change shall be made by any public utility in its labor force unless the public utility provides notice to the Illinois Commerce Commission at least 45 days before the implementation of the change. Provides that a public utility shall provide a report to the Commission in addition to the notice of the substantial change. Sets forth requirements for the content of the report. Provides that the Commission may conduct an audit or investigation of any public utility report filed pursuant to provisions concerning a public utility's labor force. Provides that if, after notice and hearing, the Commission finds that a report was insufficient to justify the substantial change in labor force, then the cost of any independent audit conducted by the Commission shall not be recoverable as an expense from the ratepayers of the public utility.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.