Rules

IDOL published rules implementing recent legislative changes to the Day & Temporary Labor Services Act (DTLSA) on May 15. In the coming months, IDOL anticipates filing separate but related rules to provide guidance on "equivalent benefits" required under the DTLSA .

IDOL’s Equal Pay Act (EPA) Rules were published in the July 6 edition of the Illinois Register. These rules implement recent legislative changes to the EPA, including the new pay transparency amendments, and make other updates to the procedures for Equal Pay claims.

Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act

The Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act (NICU Leave) took effect on June 1, 2026 and entitles employees primarily working in Illinois for an employer with 16 or more employees with up to 20 days of unpaid, but job-protected, leave while their child is a patient in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Learn more about NICU Leave by visiting the IDOL website.

Driver’s License in Job Postings

An amendment to the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (also known as Ban the Box), HB4758, has been sent to Gov.

Pritzker for his signature. If signed, it would prohibit employers from posting jobs that require a valid driver’s license unless driving is an essential function or related to legitimate business purposes for a position. If it is essential, employers would need to include a short description explaining why a driver’s license is required.

Prevailing Wage Rates

IDOL has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates, effective July 15. These rates reflect the hourly cash wages plus benefits that must be paid to workers employed on public works construction projects. Each June, IDOL determines the prevailing wage rates by reviewing compensation commonly paid to workers performing similar jobs on public works in each locality. To view the 2026 rates by county and construction trade, visit the IDOL website.

Wins for Workers - Prevailing Wage

In two prevailing wage cases, IDOL recovered underpaid wages and fringe benefits for workers and $25,000 in penalties:

In Winnebago County, Premise, Inc. paid nearly $92,000 in back wages to 27 laborers and electricians working on a solar project.

In Lake County, IDOL recovered more than $67,000 in unpaid wages for 8 workers employed by Absolute Home Improvements & Cleaning Service.

Language Access at IDOL

IDOL has recently published its Language Access Plan to our website. Language access is essential to ensuring that all individuals can understand their rights and have meaningful access to services and activities provided by the Department, regardless of the language they speak. IDOL offers free language services to any individual who may need them. You can read more about our Language Access Plan here.