HB5208 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE ACT
Last Action
4/21/2026 - Senate: Referred to Assignments
House Sponsors
Rep. Maurice A. West, II

Senate Sponsors
(Sen. Karina Villa)
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
820 ILCS 154/1  
820 ILCS 154/3 new  
820 ILCS 154/5  
820 ILCS 154/10  
820 ILCS 154/12 new  
820 ILCS 154/14 new  
820 ILCS 154/15  
820 ILCS 154/20  
820 ILCS 154/25  
820 ILCS 154/35  
820 ILCS 156/Act rep.  
820 ILCS 180/20  
820 ILCS 206/75  
Synopsis As Introduced
Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Zachary's Parent Protection Act. Amends the Family Bereavement Leave Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Bereavement Leave Act. Sets forth provisions concerning family bereavement leave, child extended bereavement leave, and general bereavement leave. Provides for the qualifying requirements, notice requirements, and length of leave provided under those circumstances. Provides that the bereavement leave provided under the Act is in addition to the unpaid leave time allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Provides that the Department of Labor shall review complaints to determine whether there is cause for investigation. Makes changes to definitions. Repeals the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act. Amends the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act and the Child Labor Law of 2024 to make conforming changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Changes references from "reproductive event" to "pregnancy or adoption related event". Makes other changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 3
Adds reference to:
820 ILCS 154/30  
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of House Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. Defines "employer" to include the State or a unit of local government, any political subdivision of the State or a unit of local government, or any State or local government agency. Removes a provision that allows general bereavement leave to be taken to grieve the death of any person. Provides that provisions concerning general bereavement leave do not apply to employees of the State, except for employees who are otherwise not eligible for family responsibility leave or a leave of absence without pay. Provides that a civil action may be brought in the circuit court by an employee against an employer who employs 50 or more employees (rather than any employer) to enforce the Act. Makes other changes.
Actions
DateChamberAction
2/05/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Maurice A. West, II
2/10/2026HouseFirst Reading
2/10/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee
3/04/2026HouseAssigned to Labor & Commerce Committee
3/06/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Maurice A. West, II
3/06/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
3/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Labor & Commerce Committee
3/19/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Labor & Commerce Committee; by Voice Vote
3/19/2026HouseDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Labor & Commerce Committee; 018-009-000
3/20/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/10/2026HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
4/10/2026HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Maurice A. West, II
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 3 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Maurice A. West, II
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 3 Referred to Rules Committee
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Labor & Commerce Committee
4/15/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 3 Rules Refers to Labor & Commerce Committee
4/15/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 3 Recommends Be Adopted Labor & Commerce Committee; 018-007-000
4/16/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 3 Adopted
4/16/2026HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/16/2026HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 080-026-000
4/16/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Tabled
4/21/2026SenateArrive in Senate
4/21/2026SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
4/21/2026SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa
4/21/2026SenateFirst Reading
4/21/2026SenateReferred to Assignments