WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1344

WORK COMP-TIMING REQUIRED

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Halpin and 2 co-sponsors

Clarifies how time periods are computed under Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, aligning State/subdivisions with private employers for filing deadlines.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0023
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1344

SB 1344 — "Work Comp — Timing Required" (Public Act 104‑0023) — Summary (Illinois)

Note: This summary covers the Illinois enactment identified as Public Act 104‑0023 (SB 1344) amending the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/19.1). Other states used the same bill number for unrelated measures; this summary focuses on the Illinois law that was chaptered as Public Act 104‑0023.

Main purpose

To clarify how time periods are computed for acts required under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and to make the time‑computation rules that apply to the State and its political subdivisions consistent with those that apply to private employers.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 19.1 of the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/19.1).
  • Confirms the method of computing statutory time periods for acts under the Act:
    • Generally, the first day is excluded and the last day is included when computing a time period.
    • If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a statutorily recognized holiday, that day is excluded (and related rules governing successive holidays apply).
  • Explicitly provides that the time periods applicable to the State of Illinois and its political subdivisions are to be the same as those that apply to private employers under the Act.

Who is affected

  • Workers’ compensation claimants and their representatives (attorneys).
  • Employers covered by the Act (private employers, the State of Illinois, and political subdivisions such as counties, municipalities, school districts).
  • Insurers, third‑party administrators, and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (administrative staff and adjudicators).
  • Courts and administrative bodies that process time‑sensitive filings (claims, notices, appeals, petitions).

Practical effect and potential impact

  • Removes or reduces ambiguity about how deadlines are calculated under the Act by restating and clarifying the computation rule.
  • Aligning public‑sector time computation with private‑sector practice ensures consistent deadlines across employer types; this may:
    • Change the effective deadline in specific cases (depending on whether prior practice differed), potentially shortening or lengthening a party’s available filing window in isolated situations.
    • Simplify administration and reduce disputes about filing timeliness between state/local employers and private employers.
  • Expected to have minimal fiscal impact; impacts are primarily procedural/administrative.

Timeline / procedural status

  • Filed and processed during the 2025 legislative session (SB 1344).
  • Enacted as Public Act 104‑0023.
  • Approved/Effective date: June 30, 2025 (chaptered as indicated in legislative records).

Statutory citation

  • Amends: 820 ILCS 305/19.1 (Workers’ Compensation Act, Section 19.1)

If you want, I can:
- Extract the exact redline language of 820 ILCS 305/19.1 as amended, or
- Provide examples showing how the clarified computation rule changes deadlines in common claim scenarios.

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

Sign in to ask a question.