Bill > SB3340

This bill, known as the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act or Kiki's Law, establishes the right for all individuals in Illinois to wear protective medical equipment, such as masks and respirators, in any place of public accommodation where they are lawfully present, without needing to disclose their health status. "Public accommodation" is broadly defined to include a wide range of businesses and institutions like restaurants, stores, schools, and transportation services. The law prohibits any person, entity, or authority from denying, restricting, or infringing upon this right, and explicitly states that "operators" (owners, managers, or employees of public accommodations) and "public officials" cannot discriminate against or penalize individuals for wearing such equipment. Discrimination is defined to include denial of service, eviction, harassment, adverse employment actions, and unequal treatment. The bill also includes protections against retaliation for exercising these rights and outlines specific exceptions, such as temporary removal for law enforcement security checks, situations where specific equipment interferes with operational safety, and brief removal for age or identity verification for restricted products like alcohol or firearms, or at financial institutions and places of lodging, though it allows for alternative identification methods like clear window masks. An "undue hardship" exemption is provided for operators, but they bear the burden of proving it.