The state legislature recently passed the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (SB0208), requiring employers to provide up to 40 hours of paid leave for employees to take for ANY reason. Governor Pritzker stated he will sign it into law, which would go into effect January 1, 2024. Note that the Act does not apply to employers who are required by municipal or county ordinance to provide paid leave (including paid sick leave) (so, for example, employers subject to the Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance may not be impacted).
The Act requires carryover of unused paid leave (unless an employer frontloads), but use can be capped at 40 hours per year. Employers are not required to pay out unused leave at termination unless the employer uses its general vacation and/or PTO benefits to satisfy the Act’s requirements. Employees do need to give 7 days’ advance notice for foreseeable leave under the Act.
There will be notice and posting requirements for the new Act. Stay tuned.
See the full text of the Act here: Paid Leave for All Workers Act