State Rep. Ammons Calls New Law ‘Economic Justice’

Temporary workers in Illinois have more protections after Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill championed by an area lawmaker. 

House Bill 690 is now law. Democratic State representative Carol Ammons of Urbana sponsored the measure. "What we accomplished with House Bill 690 was an economic justice bill for all workers regardless of race, gender or background," she said.

The law bars temporary employment agencies from charging workers for drug tests and background checks.

If a temporary worker is bussed to a job site, the new law requires the employer to provide safe transportation to and from the site.

It also mandates that employers tell temp agencies when they are hiring permanent positions similar to the temporary position. Staffing firms must report on race and gender of temporary workers.The goal is to get the temporary employee full-time work.

"We want responsible job creation in Illinois and we want to have an opportunity, a sincere opportunity, to take care of their family and to meet their own needs," Ammons concluded.