Springfield, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – Illinois is doubling down on its commitment to pay transparency and equity with the signing of House Bill 2488 by Governor JB Pritzker. The new law streamlines the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 by eliminating outdated references to a federal reporting requirement that state officials say no longer supports Illinois’ goals.

The bill removes language requiring employers to submit the federal EEO-1 form, which tracks workforce demographics, as part of the state’s Equal Pay Registration Certificate (EPRC) program. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) had already suspended the EEO-1 requirement in 2023, citing its limited usefulness and the confusion it caused among employers.

“These legislative changes promote consistency and simplify pay transparency reporting in Illinois,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “While it may be challenging to keep up with shifts in federal law, Illinois maintains its steadfast commitment to promoting transparency in pay practices and ensuring that Illinoisans receive equal pay for substantially similar work, regardless of sex or race.”

Since 2021, Illinois has required private employers with 100 or more workers to obtain an Equal Pay Registration Certificate every two years. As part of that process, employers must submit payroll data and certify that compensation for female and minority employees is not consistently below that of male and non-minority counterparts.

The update brought by HB 2488 formalizes the state’s shift toward a more independent, state-centered approach to enforcing pay equity, reinforcing Illinois’ position as a national leader in labor rights and wage transparency.

Employers in Illinois are encouraged to review their reporting practices and ensure compliance with the current EPRC requirements. More information is available through the Illinois Department of Labor.