Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with a sweeping measure designed to lock in workplace safety and labor standards, even if federal protections are weakened or repealed in the future. Senate Bill 1976, sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), cleared the Senate Labor Committee this week and is now poised for further debate in the General Assembly.

The bill, known as the Illinois Workers’ Rights and Worker Safety Act, would prevent state agencies from weakening their rules on worker protections below the standards set by federal law as of January 19, 2025. The legislation also empowers state agencies to adopt even more stringent standards if desired, ensuring Illinois can remain a leader in workplace safety regardless of federal changes.

Key Provisions of SB 1976

• Minimum Standards: State agencies must maintain at least the same level of worker protections as provided by federal laws-including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act-as they existed on January 19, 20251.
• No Rollbacks: Agencies are prohibited from amending or revising rules in a way that would make them less protective than those federal standards, unless authorized by new state law.
• Restoring Repealed Rules: If federal occupational safety rules are repealed and not already covered by state law, Illinois would be required to restore those protections.
• Stronger State Standards Allowed: State agencies can establish more stringent standards than those at the federal level.
• Reporting Requirement: Agencies must report annually to the General Assembly on their compliance with the Act.

“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.”