IllinoisSB2164104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

WAGE PAYMENT-COLLECTION

Sponsored By: Michael W. Halpin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Makes changes to administrative fees paid to the Department of Labor. Makes changes in provisions concerning the collection of unpaid wages, penalties, damages, fines, and fees. Effective immediately.

assignmentslaborlabor & commerce

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Extra payments for workers owed wages

Workers whose claims are decided through an Illinois Department of Labor hearing can receive added payments for unpaid amounts. Damages equal 5% of unpaid wages, final pay, or wage supplements for each month they remain unpaid. A separate penalty equals 1% of the amount owed for each calendar day it remains unpaid. Both stop building up when the department’s final decision becomes a debt owed to the state.

Higher employer fees for wage violations

Employers or other responsible parties owe a higher, one-time fee when the department or a court demands or orders wage payment. The fee cannot be waived and also applies to final pay and wage supplements. Based on wages the department orders owed, the fee is $500 for $3,000 or less. It is $750 for more than $3,000 but less than $10,000, and $1,250 for $10,000 or more. The fee goes to the Illinois Department of Labor, not the worker.

Stronger collection tools for unpaid workers

Workers can file a signed wage claim with supporting records within one year after payment was due. They also retain the right to sue directly in circuit court, alone or for other workers in similar situations. The Illinois Department of Labor can investigate claims and pursue collection for workers unable to afford it, without upfront court costs. An unpaid final decision becomes state debt when the responsible party neither pays within 35 days nor seeks timely court review. Amounts still unpaid after court review, or when review is not pursued, also become state debt. The department can use legal collection tools and enforce decisions like court judgments after the review period, unless a court pauses enforcement. State’s Attorneys retain independent power to prosecute violations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michael W. Halpin

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Dave Vella

    Democratic • House

  • Eva-Dina Delgado

    Democratic • House

  • Graciela Guzmán

    Democratic • Senate

  • Javier L. Cervantes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 68

House vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Standard Debate - Passed

Yes: 75 • No: 38

House vote • 4/23/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Labor & Commerce Committee;

Yes: 17 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 37 • No: 19

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass Labor;

Yes: 15 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0135

    8/1/2025Senate
  2. Effective Date August 1, 2025

    8/1/2025Senate
  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025Senate
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/20/2025Senate
  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/22/2025Senate
  6. Third Reading - Standard Debate - Passed 075-038-000

    5/22/2025House
  7. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Vella

    5/22/2025House
  8. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Standard Debate

    5/14/2025House
  9. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House
  10. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    4/24/2025House
  11. Do Pass / Short Debate Labor & Commerce Committee; 017-008-000

    4/23/2025House
  12. Assigned to Labor & Commerce Committee

    4/17/2025House
  13. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/9/2025House
  14. First Reading

    4/9/2025House
  15. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado

    4/9/2025House
  16. Arrived in House

    4/9/2025House
  17. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins

    4/9/2025Senate
  18. Third Reading - Passed; 037-019-000

    4/9/2025Senate
  19. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán

    4/2/2025Senate
  20. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 20, 2025

    3/19/2025Senate
  21. Second Reading

    3/19/2025Senate
  22. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 6, 2025

    3/5/2025Senate
  23. Do Pass Labor; 015-003-000

    3/5/2025Senate
  24. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes

    2/28/2025Senate
  25. Assigned to Labor

    2/25/2025Senate

Bill Text

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