Lawmakers responded to the filing deadline by introducing thousands of new bills in recent days. There are now 5,700 pieces of legislation in the House and nearly 4,000 in the Senate.
Here’s a look at a few of them that could have a big impact on Illinois’ small businesses.
‘Secure Choice’
HB5229 would expand the scope of the Secure Choice program.
The mandatory retirement plan passed a few years ago and requires businesses with 25 or more employees to either provide their own savings program to employees, such as a simple IRA or 401(k), or enroll employees in Secure Choice through payroll deduction. While the law requires employers to offer the options, employees are allowed to opt out. Details here.
HB5229 would expand the program to include employers with one to 24 workers.
NFIB opposes the current bill, but we’re working with the bill’s sponsor and the treasurer’s office to see if employers could participate as an option instead of a mandate.
Paid Sick Leave
SB471, the Healthy Workplace Act, would require all employers to provide paid sick time off to all employees, even if they are part-time. Employees would accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked.
Some lawmakers may feel pressure to pass the bill because of concerns over the coronavirus. One of their claims is that workers without paid sick time come to work sick and pass illnesses more frequently.
