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HB 2925

Relating to a statewide panhandling ban

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Geno Chiarelli and 9 co-sponsors

Illinois Whistleblower Act broadens protections for employees who report or refuse to participate in potential legal violations or dangers, expanding remedies including compensator

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 2925

HB 2925 — Whistleblower Act (Summary)

Note on materials provided: the packet appears to contain two different bills both labeled “HB 2925” — one is an Arizona zoning-related bill and the other is an Illinois bill that amends the Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174). This summary focuses on the Illinois Whistleblower Act changes (titled “WHISTLEBLOWER ACT” in the materials). The Illinois draft lists Rep. Bob Morgan as sponsor; other sponsor names and procedural entries in the packet appear to be from the other bill and may not apply.

Purpose / Intent

Amend the Illinois Whistleblower Act to broaden protections for employees who disclose, threaten to disclose, or refuse to participate in activities believed in good faith to violate law or to pose a substantial, specific danger to employees, public health, or safety. The bill also expands the remedies available to employees for retaliation, adding compensatory damages to the list of recoverable relief.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Sections 15, 20, and 30 of 740 ILCS 174.
  • Section 15 (Retaliation for disclosures):
    • Prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee who discloses or threatens to disclose information to a public body, a government or law‑enforcement agency, or certain supervisors/contract counterparties regarding an activity, policy, or practice when the employee has a good‑faith belief that:
    • the conduct violates municipal, county, State, or federal law, rule, or regulation; or
    • the conduct poses a substantial and specific danger to employees, public health, or safety.
    • Applies to disclosures about past, current, or future activities.
  • Section 20 (Refusal protections):
    • Prohibits retaliation against employees who refuse to participate in an activity the employee in good faith believes would violate municipal, county, State, or federal law, rule, or regulation (explicitly includes examples such as Freedom of Information Act violations).
  • Section 30 (Remedies and damages):
    • Allows private civil action for relief necessary to make the employee whole, including:
    • injunctive relief (preliminary or permanent);
    • reinstatement with preserved seniority;
    • back pay and front pay, with back pay accruing interest at 9% per annum (interest calculation limited to up to 90 calendar days from the date the complaint is filed);
    • liquidated damages up to $10,000;
    • compensatory damages (explicitly added by this amendment);
    • payment of costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney’s fees;
    • a civil penalty of $10,000 payable to the employee.

Who or What Is Affected

  • Employees of Illinois employers who report or refuse to participate in conduct believed to be unlawful or dangerous.
  • Employers and third parties whose activities are the subject of disclosures or refusals.
  • Government bodies and supervisors that receive disclosures or investigate alleged violations.
  • Potential increase in employer exposure to litigation and damages.

Potential Impact

  • Broadens whistleblower protections (covers disclosures to various bodies, includes future activities, and covers third‑party conduct).
  • Expands financial remedies available to employees (notably compensatory damages plus existing liquidated damages and penalties), which may increase litigation risk for employers and incentivize stronger internal compliance and reporting procedures.
  • Could encourage more reporting of potential legal violations or safety hazards due to stronger legal remedy options.

Procedural / Status Notes

  • The Illinois draft in the packet was introduced (per LRB header) in the 2025 General Assembly; Rep. Bob Morgan is shown as sponsor in that draft.
  • The packet also contains a distinct Arizona zoning bill labeled HB 2925; ensure you reference the correct jurisdiction when citing sponsors, committee referrals, or procedural status.

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

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