Employment law in Illinois is constantly evolving. Now is the time to review and update your employee handbooks to stay compliant heading into the new year. Below are some key legal developments that employers should be aware of:

New Law

Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act
Effective June 1, 2026

• Employers with 16–50 employees must provide up to 10 days of unpaid, job-protected leave for time their employees spend with their newborn in the NICU.

• Employers with 51+ employees must provide up to 20 days of unpaid leave.

• This leave is in addition to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Employers may not require employees to use paid leave.

Amendments to Existing Laws

Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act
Effective January 1, 2026

• Employers must provide paid breaks for nursing employees to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth.

• Employers cannot require employees to use paid leave or reduce their pay during these breaks.

Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act
Effective January 1, 2026

• Employees are entitled to up to 10 days of leave per 12-month period for organ donation; unclear as to whether the leave time must be paid.

• Both full-time and part-time employees must be allowed one hour of paid leave every 56 days to donate blood.

• Applies to employers with 51+ employees.

Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act
Effective January 1, 2026

• Employers may not take adverse action against employees who use work-issued...

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