Relating to academic credits at public institutions of higher education.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Evans

HB 3272 requires outdoor aquatic centers to provide shade, permit sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, and educate workers on UV cancer risks with DPH materials.

In committee upon adjournment.

Summary / Intent

HB 3272 seeks to reduce employees’ occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at outdoor aquatic facilities by requiring employer actions to increase shade, permit and not restrict sun-protective clothing and sunscreen use, and to provide employee education about UV-related cancer risks. The measure amends the Swimming Facility Act to add these workplace protections and directs the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) to supply informational materials employers can use.

Key provisions

Adds Section 21.2 to the Swimming Facility Act (210 ILCS 125).

Definitions (examples in bill):

“Outdoor aquatic centers” — outdoor sites where aquatic activities occur (examples: pools, beaches, water parks, splash pads).
“Sun-protective clothing” — examples include hats, sunglasses, rash guards (including long-sleeve rash guards), long-sleeve shirts, shorts or pants.

Employer requirements for operators of outdoor aquatic centers:

Provide access to shade structures that provide sufficient shade to cover the entire body (examples listed: umbrellas, awnings, canopies).
Make reasonable efforts to avoid exposing employees to excessive sun during peak UV hours.
Permit employees to regularly apply sunscreen while working.
Not restrict employees from wearing sun-protective clothing.
Not require employees to wear sun-protective clothing (i.e., not compel it).

If an employee chooses to wear sun-protective clothing, employers may require that such clothing conform to the employer’s established guidelines for appropriate work attire.

Employers must inform employees (verbally or in writing) of the rights in items 3–5 above.

DPH must provide documents employers can use to educate employees about UV-related cancer risks, lifetime importance of sun protection, and self-monitoring of skin changes.

Who is affected

Primary: employers who operate outdoor aquatic centers (public and private pools, water parks, beaches, splash pads) and their outdoor staff (e.g., lifeguards, attendants, maintenance workers).

Secondary: employers may incur costs to provide shade structures, modify scheduling, or distribute DPH materials.

Implementation, enforcement, and costs

The bill requires employer actions and DPH-provided educational materials but does not specify penalties, inspection regimes, or funding for compliance. Costs to employers could include procurement of shade structures, scheduling changes to reduce peak UV exposure, and possible updates to dress-code policies.

Legislative status (selected milestones)

Filed: Feb 18–25, 2025 (introduced by Rep. Janet Yang Rohr).

Passed Illinois House: Third Reading — Passed 68–35 (Apr 7, 2025).

Sent to Senate; arrived Apr 8, 2025; referred to Assignments. Committee hearings and favorable report occurred in April 2025.

Status notes: placed on Senate calendar; at least one action lists “laid on the table subject to call” (Apr 28, 2025). Alternate chief co-sponsors added Apr 29, 2025 (Sen. Ram Villivalam, later Sen. Laura Ellman listed).

Companion bill: SB 1197.

Notes / open points

The bill text contains formatting/clarity issues in the posted version; definitions and some phrases are presented inconsistently.

No civil penalties, enforcement mechanism, or fiscal appropriation are specified in the text provided. These details would affect compliance and budgetary impact if not addressed in subsequent amendments.

Bill