summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003. Prohibits an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, as defined by the Environmental Barriers Act, from being excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination solely by reason of the individual's disability under any of the following: (i) any program or activity operating inside Illinois and receiving federal financial assistance; (ii) any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance that passes through or is administered by State, county, or local government; (iii) any activity regulated by the State that receives federal financial assistance; or (iv) any program or activity receiving State, county, or local government financial assistance. Provides that a State agency that has an existing mechanism for enforcing federal Section 504 rights under the federal Rehabilitation Act may also enforce provisions of the Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enforce the provisions of this Act in any appropriate circuit court if the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern of discrimination prohibited by this Act. Provides that disability discrimination under the Act includes violations of the substantive rights provided in the federal regulations adopted under the federal Rehabilitation Act. Provides that these rights constitute a minimum set of rights that may not be reduced. Requires the Secretary of State to maintain a copy of the regulations in a manner that is easily available to the public such as on a website in a searchable format. Makes the Act severable.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Environmental Barriers Act, in various programs and activities that receive federal or state financial assistance or are regulated by the state. This protection extends to programs operating within Illinois, those administered by state or local governments, and activities regulated by the state. The bill also allows state agencies with existing mechanisms for enforcing federal Section 504 rights under the Rehabilitation Act to enforce these new provisions, and authorizes the Attorney General to file lawsuits against those engaged in a pattern of discrimination. Importantly, disability discrimination under this Act includes violations of substantive rights outlined in federal regulations, which are to be considered a minimum standard that cannot be reduced, and the Secretary of State will make these regulations easily accessible to the public, such as on a website.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/06/2026)
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