All Roll Calls
Yes: 219 • No: 46
IllinoisSB1344104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
WORK COMP-TIMING REQUIRED
Sponsored By: Michael W. Halpin (Democratic)
Became Law
assignmentsjudiciarylabor & commerceexecutive
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Bigger penalties for underpaying workers
If a contractor underpays, they owe the State 20% of the underpayment. The worker also gets punitive damages equal to 2% of that state penalty for each month the pay stays unpaid. For a second or later finding of liability, the state penalty rises to 50% of the underpayment. In those repeat cases, the worker’s monthly punitive damages are 5% of the state penalty for each month unpaid. These amounts keep growing until the underpayment is paid.
Extra damages in some contract disputes
The law sets a change that only takes effect if House Bill 3638 of the 104th General Assembly becomes law. In that event, an employee, applicant, or former employee who wins a final, non‑appealable case on a contract’s validity or for defending a confidentiality agreement can recover compensatory damages, plus reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Stronger rights to recover unpaid wages
If you worked on a public works job and were paid less than the set prevailing wage, you can sue for the difference. You may also get court costs and reasonable lawyer fees if the court allows. You must file within five years from the date the wages were not paid. If you ask, the Department of Labor can take your claim and sue to collect it. The contractor must pay the costs of collecting that claim.
Tougher compliance rules on public works
Public projects cannot start unless prevailing wage rules are met. Federal projects that require a federal wage decision are excluded. If a wage decision is under objection or in court, work must stop unless funds cover any increases or the Department certifies the wage. The Department of Labor, with the Attorney General, can sue to stop a contract or ongoing work when rules are not met. A contract awarded when the wage rules were not met is void, and the contractor cannot claim contract damages, only amounts actually paid for labor and materials.
More funding and staff for enforcement
Money the Department collects, including fees, penalties, and amounts owed under this law and the Prevailing Wage Act, goes into the Employee Classification Fund. The Department can use the fund for administration, investigations, outreach, and education, subject to approval by the General Assembly. The Department can hire investigators and staff needed to enforce these laws. Any money left in the fund at year end carries over for use the next year.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michael W. Halpin
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Dave Vella
Democratic • House
Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/1/2025
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Senate Concurs
Yes: 45 • No: 11
House vote • 5/31/2025
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee;
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 5/31/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 87 • No: 30
Senate vote • 5/31/2025
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Executive;
Yes: 12 • No: 1
House vote • 5/30/2025
Do Pass / Short Debate Executive Committee;
Yes: 8 • No: 4
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 56 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/20/2025
Do Pass Judiciary;
Yes: 6 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0023
6/30/2025SenateEffective Date June 30, 2025; Some provisions effective June 30, 2025 and the effective date of some provisions are conditioned on the effective date of another bill.
6/30/2025SenateGovernor Approved
6/30/2025SenateSent to the Governor
6/12/2025SenatePassed Both Houses
6/1/2025SenateSenate Concurs
6/1/2025SenateHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Senate Concurs 045-011-000
6/1/2025Senate3/5 Vote Required
6/1/2025SenateHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Executive; 012-001-000
5/31/2025SenateHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion to Concur Assignments Referred to Executive
5/31/2025SenateHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion to Concur Referred to Assignments
5/31/2025SenateHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion to Concur Filed with Secretary Sen. Michael W. Halpin
5/31/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of Concurrence House Amendment(s) 2 - May 31, 2025
5/31/2025SenateSecretary's Desk - Concurrence House Amendment(s) 2
5/31/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 087-030-000
5/31/2025HouseChair Rules placed on Standard debate.
5/31/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/31/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
5/31/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Fiscal Note Requested as Amended - Withdrawn by Rep. Blaine Wilhour
5/31/2025HouseAdded Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch
5/31/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 005-000-000
5/31/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Fiscal Note Requested as Amended by Rep. Blaine Wilhour
5/31/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
5/31/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Dave Vella
5/31/2025HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
5/30/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Amendment 1
House Amendment 2
Introduced