Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 101-0656 into law last week. This law limits the ability of employers to use an applicant or employee’s criminal conviction record as a basis for an adverse employment decision. The law requires employers to first consider whether the conviction bears a substantial relationship to the employment position or whether employing the person would pose a substantial risk. If the employer makes a preliminary decision that the conviction is disqualifying, the employer must provide the individual with notice and an opportunity to provide further information before making a final decision. Jane May of OKGC has prepared a memo for distribution to ICRMT members which explains the law. You can download the memo by clicking here. Please reach out to your risk management consultant with questions.
