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SB 2904

PAID LEAVE-BOAT EMPLOYEES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Meg Loughran Cappel and 1 co-sponsor

Illinois bill extends state paid leave protections to boat employees, requiring employers to provide compensated time off like other workers.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2904

Legislative bill overview

SB 2904 extends paid leave protections to employees working on boats in Illinois, a category currently excluded from standard state paid leave laws. The bill brings boat employees under the same paid leave requirements that apply to other workers in the state.

Why is this important

Boat employees—including workers on commercial vessels, tour boats, and other maritime operations—have historically been treated as exempt from labor protections. This bill addresses a gap in worker protections by ensuring these employees receive compensated time off for illness, family needs, and other qualifying reasons, improving workplace equity across different employment sectors.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Boat operators may argue that extending paid leave requirements increases labor expenses and affects competitiveness, particularly for seasonal or small maritime businesses
  • Definitional scope: Uncertainty about which boat-related employment qualifies (commercial fishing vs. recreational tour operators vs. private vessels) could create enforcement challenges
  • Interaction with federal maritime law: Potential conflicts between Illinois state law and federal maritime regulations that may already govern boat employee conditions

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

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