Expanded Whistleblower Protections in Illinois Took Effect on January 1, 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, Illinois House Bill 5561 amended the Whistleblower Act to enhance protections for employees and expand on its definitions. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who, in “good faith,” disclose or threaten to disclose information about activities they believe violate state or federal laws or pose substantial dangers to public health or safety. The amendment includes a definition for “adverse employment action,” which is described as an action a reasonable employee would find materially adverse.  An action is materially adverse if it “could dissuade a reasonable worker from disclosing or threatening to disclose” information protected by the law.  Employers found in violation of the Act may face additional damages and penalties, including interest on back pay, liquidated damages up to $10,000, and a civil penalty of $10,000.