Illinois has enacted legislation (House Bill 2830) that amends the state's law on school activities leave. House Bill 2830 takes effect Aug. 1, 2020.
Background:
Under existing law, Illinois requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to eight hours per school year (not to exceed four hours in any given day) to attend school conferences or classroom activities if the conference or classroom activities cannot be scheduled during non-work hours. The employee must use accrued vacation or other paid time off, if available. Otherwise, the leave is unpaid.
To be eligible for such leave, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one-half the equivalent of full-time hours for at least six consecutive months. Generally, employees must provide at least seven days' written notice of the need for leave.
House Bill 2830:
House Bill 2830 amends the law to replace "classroom activities" with "behavioral meetings and academic meetings." Thus, effective August 1, 2020, the leave is limited to school conferences, behavioral meetings, and academic meetings.
The law also clarifies that employers are prohibited from terminating an employee for an absence that is due solely to the employee's attendance at a school conference, behavioral meeting, or academic meeting.
Compliance Recommendations:
Illinois employers should review policies and training to ensure compliance with House Bill 2830.
Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.