EMPLOYEE FREEDOM OF SPEECH
- Introduced Feb 9, 2024
- In committee Feb 9, 2024
- Died
- Passed the Senate
- To the governor
- Became law
What it does
The legislature's own summary of the bill, or its official long title.
Creates the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. Provides that an employer or the employer's agent, representative, or designee may not discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize, threaten to discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize, or take any adverse employment action against an employee: (1) because the employee declines to attend or participate in an employer-sponsored meeting or declines to receive or listen to…
Read the full title (212 words)
Creates the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. Provides that an employer or the employer's agent, representative, or designee may not discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize, threaten to discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize, or take any adverse employment action against an employee: (1) because the employee declines to attend or participate in an employer-sponsored meeting or declines to receive or listen to communications from the employer or the agent, representative, or designee of the employer if the meeting or communication is to communicate the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters; (2) as a means of inducing an employee to attend or participate in meetings or receive or listen to communications; or (3) because the employee, or a person acting on behalf of the employee, makes a good faith report, orally or in writing, of a violation or a suspected violation of the Act. Provides for a private right of action to enforce the provisions of the Act. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Department of Labor under the Act. Provides that, within 30 days after the effective date of the Act, an employer shall post and keep posted a notice of employee rights under the Act where employee notices are customarily placed. Provides for exceptions under the Act.
Every action
22 steps, oldest first, as the legislature records them.
Show the 14 earlier steps
- HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
- HouseFirst Reading
- CommitteeReferred to Rules Committee · House Rules
- CommitteeAssigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee · House Judiciary - Civil
- HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.
- HouseRemove Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.
- CommitteeRe-assigned to Labor & Commerce Committee · House Labor & Commerce
- CommitteeDo Pass / Short Debate Labor & Commerce Committee; 018-006-000 · House Labor & Commerce
- HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Matt Hanson
- HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
- HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch
- HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit
- HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Lilian Jiménez
- HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy
- HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Sue Scherer
- HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jay Hoffman
- HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
- HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
- CommitteeRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee · House Rules
- HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. La Shawn K. Ford
- HouseRemoved Co-Sponsor Rep. La Shawn K. Ford
- HouseSession Sine Die
Roll calls
1 recorded vote: 0 on the floor, 1 in committee. Each shows how every member voted.
Committee votes
| Date | Where | Question | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 21, 2024 | House Labor & Commerce | Labor & Commerce - Do Pass MembersYes · 18
No · 6 Not voting · 5 |
Passed 18–6 |
Sponsors
The member who introduced it, joined by 7 cosponsors: 7 Democrats.
-
Marcus C. Evans, Jr.D Primary sponsor · District 33
All 7 cosponsors
From Illinois's official records (www.ilga.gov), checked Nov 13, 2026. Text links go to the official versions; LegiList does not copy bill text.