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Bill

Bill

HB 4607

PAID LEAVE-BOAT EMPLOYEES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Larry Walsh

Illinois bill would mandate paid leave benefits for boat employees, establishing new labor protections for maritime workers in the state.

Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.
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Bill Summary · HB 4607

Legislative bill overview

HB 4607 would establish paid leave requirements for employees working on boats in Illinois. The bill was recently filed in January 2026 but has not yet advanced through the legislative process. Specific details about accrual rates, eligibility requirements, and enforcement mechanisms are not yet publicly available in standard legislative databases.

Why is this important

Paid leave protections for maritime workers address a labor sector that often operates under different regulatory frameworks than traditional land-based employment. Illinois workers in the boat/marine industry could gain access to paid time off similar to other state employees, affecting workplace standards and worker compensation in this specialized sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "boat employees" - Unclear whether this covers commercial fishing, charter operations, ferry services, or recreational boat operations, and how to distinguish employees from independent contractors
  • Industry compliance costs - Small boat operators and family-run maritime businesses may face administrative and financial burdens from new paid leave mandates
  • Interstate commerce questions - Boats operating across state lines may face jurisdictional complications regarding which state's paid leave requirements apply

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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