SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Democratic lawmakers hope to pass a plan in the final weeks of session to ensure Illinois strengthens workplace safety standards even if federal laws are weakened or repealed.
Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) told the Senate Labor Committee Tuesday that no one should have to worry about losing vital workplace protections due to shifting politics.
His legislation could prevent the state from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. The plan would also require Illinois to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law.
"This is an initiative of the state fed to ensure that all of the protections that were long fought over the last 50 years or so will remain in Illinois regardless of anything that happens federally," said Illinois AFL-CIO Legislative Director Frances Orenic. "We worked hard with the Department of Labor, particularly over the past few months, and have gotten to a place of agreement with them."
Peters said the bill could directly affect the well-being, job security, and workplace conditions of Illinoisans.
Senate Bill 1976 passed out of the Senate Labor Committee on a partisan 10-3 vote Tuesday night.
"Working people built this state, and they deserve to know Illinois has their backs," Peters said. "We’re making it clear worker protections are not negotiable in our state. They’re essential."
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