HB 5422

Creates the Illinois Creative Workforce Development Act. Establishes a program within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide skills training, business development, financial literacy, contract education, and career transition support for independent and project-based creative workers. Includes a pilot program to test portable, worker-controlled benefits without reclassifying workers. Sets minimum compensation guidelines, timely payment requirements, and written contract standards for publicly funded creative work. Requires regional balance, targeted outreach to underrepresented communities, and data collection disaggregated by race, gender, and geography. Authorizes grants for cross-sector integration of creative skills into education, health, technology, and tourism. Creates the Illinois Creative Workforce Fund. Grants rulemaking authority. Makes a conforming change to the State Finance Act.