SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections, State Senator Adriane Johnson passed legislation to better assess whether policies have discriminatory impacts within the Illinois Human Rights Act.
“Equal opportunity requires us to examine how decisions affect people in the real world, not just how they are written on paper,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Disparate impact standards promote accountability and help build more equitable institutions.”
Senate Bill 3777 would codify the use of disparate impact standards within the Illinois Human Rights Act, ensuring policies that appear neutral at face value but disproportionately harm protected communities can still be challenged under state law. The measure would reinforce Illinois’ authority to provide stronger protections than the federal minimum by safeguarding residents from systemic discrimination in employment, housing, education, financial credit and public accommodations.
The measure aims to build on Illinois’ long history of leading on civil rights and ensure protections remain strong, clear and enforceable regardless of shifting federal priorities.
“Disparate impact standards help ensure that policies and practices are fair not only in intent, but also in outcome,” Johnson said. “It provides an important safeguard against systems that unintentionally disadvantage certain communities.”
Senate Bill 3777 passed the Senate Wednesday.
