A new law in Illinois is banning Illinois employers from asking job applications or their previous employers about salary history during the hiring process. The law will take effect by October 1, 2019.
The No Salary History law, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on July 31, 2019, was designed to help close the wage gap between men and women doing the same job.
If an employer violates the law, workers will be able to seek up to $10,000 in damages. The law also ensures that employees can discuss their salary, benefits or other compensation with co-workers.
Former Governor Bruce Rauner had previous vetoed two versions of the legislation, stating more business-friendly ways could address the issue. The measure signed by Governor Pritzker passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
