New Occupational Safety and Health Requirements in 2015

Law Repeals Current Requirements and Imposes New Ones By Joshua Herman joshua.herman@mhtlaw.com Effective January 1, 2015, the new Occupational Safety and Health Act (the “Act” or “OSHA”) becomes effective pursuant to Public Act 98-874, repealing the Safety Inspection and Education Act and the Health and Safety Act.  The new law establishes federal occupational safety and…

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Ban the Box

New Law Prohibits Asking About Job Applicant’s Criminal History By Kateah M. McMasters Beginning January 1, 2015, the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (the “Act”), P.A. 98-774, prohibits employers from asking potential employees to “check a box” or to otherwise provide detailed information about his or her criminal history on a job application. The…

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New Law for Pregnant Employees and Working Mothers

Illinois Human Rights Act Amended to Increase Pregnancy-Related Protection By Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com Effective January 1, 2015, a recent amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act (the “Act”) adds pregnancy to the list of characteristics protected from discrimination.  “Pregnancy” includes pregnancy, childbirth, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, expanding the Act to apply…

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Rule Barring Former Public Employee Lawsuits

Court Rules Former Public Employees Have Only Six Months To Bring Suit For Backpay By Joshua D. Herman joshua.herman@mhtlaw.com Plaintiffs are required to bring an action enforcing their legal rights within a limited time after they are injured.  A statute of limitations typically establishes the maximum time after an injury that a suit can be…

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New Rules Regarding Public Comments

Requiring Speakers To State Their Home Addresses Violates The Open Meetings Act By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com  On September 4, 2014, the Illinois Attorney General issued a binding opinion stating that a public body that required speakers to provide their home addresses prior to addressing governmental bodies violates the Illinois Open Meetings Act.  This opinion…

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