photo #9108630

Temperature law proposed by Illinois Democrats! This law could stop the Cubs and Sox and other sports team events mid-game if the heat index temperature goes above 80 degrees, and stop work for anyone who works outside in the summer months. Illinois House Bill 3762, the Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act, is sponsored Rep. Edgar González Jr, D-Chicago, The bill will require Illinois workers to be provided more protections from excessive temperatures. The bill deals with temperature thresholds—such as a heat index. The problem is the law could lead to widespread work refusals, potentially disrupting the local economy for months. Rep. Dan Ugaste (R) points out that the bill's language is broad enough to potentially interfere with professional sports teams, requiring them to halt games mid-play due to temperature thresholds. People who work outdoors in Illinois in the summer months could be sidelined with NO work on hot warm days under the Democrat legislation. The bill would require employers when conditions are hot to provide water colder than 61 degrees, paid rest breaks with access to shade, either schedule modifications or task rotation to limit exposure, and access to personal protective equipment. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) points out the bill’s record-keeping requirements are too demanding, especially for small businesses. Employers would be required to maintain detailed safety plans, training records, and procedures for at least three years. Current Status. Democrats have advanced the bill out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee. Next stop...a vote by IL State House of Reps then the State Senate and signature by JB Prizker. The law would take effect in 2027.