Declares May 6 through May 12, 2025 as Nurses Week and June 12 through June 18, 2025 as CNA Week in the State of Illinois in recognition of the contributions of nurses and Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) throughout the State. Recognizes the need to invest in the nursing and CNA workforce through policies that address staffing shortages, provide mental health support, and improve working conditions for healthcare workers. Encourages all residents, businesses, and healthcare organizations to show appreciation for nurses and CNAs and support efforts to enhance the nursing profession and CNA workforce, including workforce development, education, and workplace well-being. Encourages the residents of Illinois to celebrate the accomplishments and efforts of registered nurses and CNAs to improve the healthcare system.
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Provides that a public employer that willfully (rather than intentionally) violates the Act, the Safety Inspection and Education Act, or the Health and Safety Act, or any standard, rule, regulation, or order under any of those Acts, or who demonstrates plain indifference to any provision of any of those Acts or any such standard, rule, regulation, or order, may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $70,000 per violation (rather than $10,000 per violation).
Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that the definition of "public works" includes all fixed works constructed or demolished on publicly-owned property.
Urges the State to increase reimbursement rates, state grants and contracts, and the minimum overhead allowance to meet the rising costs of providing essential human services in Illinois and supporting the workers who deliver those services.
Declares March 25, 2025 as Equal Pay Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of this State to learn about the pay gap that women experience in society and to learn about these various dates that bring attention to the pay gap that specific groups experience.
Expresses opposition to the Trump healthcare cuts, which fundamentally undermine the basic dignity and financial security of working families across the country. Calls upon the United States Senate to immediately table the Trump healthcare cuts bill and instead pursue reforms such as the Illinois' Healthcare Protection Act to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable.
Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district that maintains any of grades 9 through 12 and offers school facilitated employment, career pathways, or internship experiences shall provide to students participating in the program (rather than may include in its high school curriculum): (1) instruction on workplace preparation that covers legal protections in the workplace; and (2) protection against sexual harassment and racial and other forms of discrimination.
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 Swimming Facility Act. Requires all employers operating outdoor aquatic centers to provide access to independently-purchased structures that provide sufficient shade to cover the entire body; make reasonable efforts to avoid exposing employees to excessive sun exposure during peak ultraviolet hours; permit employees to regularly apply sunscreen; not restrict employees from wearing sun-protective clothing; and not compel aquatic center employees to wear sun-protective clothing. Provides that, if an employee chooses to wear sun-protective clothing, the employer may require the sun-protective clothing to be within the guidelines the employer sets for appropriate work attire. Requires the Department of Public Health to provide documents to employers so that the employers may inform employees about cancer risks associated with ultraviolet radiation, the significance of sun protection throughout life, and the importance of regularly monitoring their skin for potentially worrisome changes.
Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Provides that a union representative of an employee of any business regulated under the Acts shall not be hindered by any provision in the Acts from accessing the premises to meet with any employee that wishes to meet with that union representative.
