HB3634 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 27278 SPS 53649 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB3634

Introduced 2/17/2023, by Rep. Dave Vella

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 1505/1505-225 new

Amends the Department of Labor Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Labor shall establish a Preferred Worker Program to assist workers whose on-the-job injuries result in a disability that may be a substantial obstacle to employment by providing assistance to eligible injured workers. Provides that the Department shall award grants to eligible injured workers and employers of eligible injured workers to cover specified expenses relating to their employment. Provides that the Department may adopt any rules necessary to administer the program.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Labor Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 1505-225 as follows:

(20 ILCS 1505/1505-225 new)

Sec. 1505-225. Preferred Worker Program.

(a) As used in this Section, "eligible injured worker" means an employee who sustained a compensable work injury in this State, resulting in an inability to return to their pre-injury position, and completed the vocational rehabilitation process.

(b) The Department of Labor shall establish a Preferred Worker Program to assist workers whose on-the-job injuries result in a disability that may be a substantial obstacle to employment by providing assistance to eligible injured workers.

(c) The Department shall award grants to eligible injured workers as follows:

(1) a grant, not to exceed $250, to purchase appropriate clothing for interviews, uniforms, travel expenses, or other items needed for employment;

(2) a grant, not to exceed $2,000, to cover expenses relating to testing for certification, licensure, or other testing requirements for employment, including physical examinations or membership fees required for employment;

(3) a grant, not to exceed $2,500, to purchase tools, equipment, or starter sets required for employment;

(4) a grant, in an amount to be determined by the Department, to cover moving expenses if the eligible injured workers has relocated for work and the distance of the eligible injured worker's new residence is greater than or equal than 35 miles from the eligible injured worker's previous residence; and

(5) a grant, in an amount to be determined by the Department, to pay for lodging, meals, and travel expenses related to job training.

(d) The Department shall award grants to the employers of eligible injured workers as follows:

(1) a grant, in an amount to be determined by the Department, to perform an on-site job analysis or ergonomic assessment related to an eligible injured worker; and

(2) a grant, in an amount to be determined by the Department, to cover costs for modifications necessary for employment or retraining of an eligible injured worker.

(e) The Department may adopt any rules necessary to administer the provisions of this Section.