Illinois Senate Labor Committee voted to advance a sweeping regulatory bill that would impose additional red tape and costs on Illinois’ small business community.

SB 1976 would require state agencies to enforce, “as a minimal standard,” numerous federal regulations under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act that were on the book as of January 19, 2025.

It does not include any exceptions for regulations struck down by federal courts or otherwise superseded by updated regulatory practice.

Recent rules promulgated under these acts include:

• DOL Overtime Rule
• DOL Independent Contractor Rule
• OSHA Walkaround Rule

It passed out of committee on a commitment that it would be held in the Senate for an amendment to address concerns identified by the Illinois Department of Labor.

“Even as DC, Europe, and Britain look to roll back costly and job-killing regulations, this proposal doubles down on an anti-growth agenda,” stated NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “Main Street businesses and their employees in Illinois need regulatory relief, not additional red tape.”