Starting yesterday (Wednesday), Illinois residents will have an extended timeframe to file charges of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). The new law increases the statute of limitations for non-housing cases from 300 days to 2 years.
Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of this change, saying it empowers individuals to take action and seek justice. Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton highlighted the need for survivors to have adequate time and support to come forward, acknowledging that healing is not a linear process.
The extension applies to cases related to employment, financial credit, and public services, including educational institutions. However, the timeframe for housing-related cases remains the same: one year to file with IDHR or two years to file in circuit court.
This legislative change aims to help individuals who face barriers to prompt filing, such as not recognizing an incident as a civil rights violation or needing time to recover from trauma. IDHR Director Jim Bennett noted that with this change, Illinois joins 11 other states that provide a longer opportunity to seek protections under the Human Rights Act.
For more information about the Illinois Human Rights Act or IDHR regulations, you can contact IDHR at 312-814-6262 or fill out the online contact form.
Comments