SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities was signed into law.
“Everyone in our state deserves the opportunity to earn a living and support their family,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Too many people are being shut out of good jobs because of requirements that have nothing to do with the work, and this measure will help change that.”
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The legislation will prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.
Currently, many job descriptions continue to include driver’s license requirements regardless of whether operating a vehicle is actually necessary for the role. Advocates estimate nearly 1.85 million Illinoisans face barriers to employment because they do not possess a driver’s license, including many people with disabilities who rely on public transportation, paratransit services, rides from caregivers or family members or other accessible transportation options.
House Bill 4758 was signed into law on Friday.
