94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2005 and 2006
HB4051

 

Introduced 2/28/2005, by Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
775 ILCS 5/7A-102   from Ch. 68, par. 7A-102
775 ILCS 5/7A-103   from Ch. 68, par. 7A-103
775 ILCS 5/7B-102   from Ch. 68, par. 7B-102
775 ILCS 5/7B-103   from Ch. 68, par. 7B-103
775 ILCS 5/8-103   from Ch. 68, par. 8-103
775 ILCS 5/8-110   from Ch. 68, par. 8-110
775 ILCS 5/8-111   from Ch. 68, par. 8-111
775 ILCS 5/10-101   from Ch. 68, par. 10-101
775 ILCS 5/10-102   from Ch. 68, par. 10-102
775 ILCS 5/7-101.1 rep.

    Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Eliminates language providing that questions of credibility shall be considered by the Department of Human Rights in determining whether there is substantial evidence that a civil rights violation has been committed. Provides that a civil action arising under the Employment Article or the Additional Civil Rights Violations Article of the Act may be commenced 180 days after the filing of a charge with the Department, regardless of the Department's findings, if any. In provisions authorizing a civil action under the Employment Article, Real Estate Transactions Article, or Additional Civil Rights Violations Article, provides that the plaintiff or the defendant may demand a trial by jury. Effective January 1, 2006, except some provisions are effective immediately.


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A BILL FOR

 

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1     AN ACT concerning human rights.
 
2     Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3 represented in the General Assembly:
 
4     Section 5. The Illinois Human Rights Act is amended by
5 changing Sections 7A-102, 7A-103, 7B-102, 7B-103, 8-103,
6 8-110, 8-111, 10-101, and 10-102 as follows:
 
7     (775 ILCS 5/7A-102)  (from Ch. 68, par. 7A-102)
8     Sec. 7A-102. Procedures.
9     (A) Charge.
10         (1) Within 180 days after the date that a civil rights
11     violation allegedly has been committed, a charge in writing
12     under oath or affirmation may be filed with the Department
13     by an aggrieved party or issued by the Department itself
14     under the signature of the Director.
15         (2) The charge shall be in such detail as to
16     substantially apprise any party properly concerned as to
17     the time, place, and facts surrounding the alleged civil
18     rights violation.
19     (B) Notice, and Response to , and Review of Charge. The
20 Department shall, within 10 days of the date on which the
21 charge was filed, serve a copy of the charge on the respondent.
22 This period shall not be construed to be jurisdictional. The
23 charging party and the respondent may each file a position
24 statement and other materials with the Department regarding the
25 charge of alleged discrimination within 60 days of receipt of
26 the notice of the charge. The position statements and other
27 materials filed shall remain confidential unless otherwise
28 agreed to by the party providing the information and shall not
29 be served on or made available to the other party during
30 pendency of a charge with the Department. The Department shall
31 require the respondent to file a verified response to the
32 allegations contained in the charge within 60 days of receipt

 

 

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1 of the notice of the charge. The respondent shall serve a copy
2 of its response on the complainant or his representative. All
3 allegations contained in the charge not timely denied by the
4 respondent shall be deemed admitted, unless the respondent
5 states that it is without sufficient information to form a
6 belief with respect to such allegation. The Department shall
7 issue a notice of default directed to any respondent who fails
8 to file a verified response to a charge within 60 days of
9 receipt of the notice of the charge, unless the respondent can
10 demonstrate good cause as to why such notice should not issue.
11 Within 30 days of receipt of the respondent's response, the
12 complainant may file a reply to said response and shall serve a
13 copy of said reply on the respondent or his representative. A
14 party shall have the right to supplement his response or reply
15 at any time that the investigation of the charge is pending.
16 The Department shall, within 10 days of the date on which the
17 charge was filed, and again no later than 335 days thereafter,
18 send by certified or registered mail written notice to the
19 complainant and to the respondent informing the complainant of
20 the right to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission
21 under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (G), including in such
22 notice the dates within which the complainant may exercise this
23 right. In the notice the Department shall notify the
24 complainant that the charge of civil rights violation will be
25 dismissed with prejudice and with no right to further proceed
26 if a written complaint is not timely filed with the Commission
27 by the complainant pursuant to subparagraph (2) of paragraph
28 (G) or by the Department pursuant to subparagraph (1) of
29 paragraph (G).
30     (B-1) Mediation. The complainant and respondent may agree
31 to voluntarily submit the charge to mediation without waiving
32 any rights that are otherwise available to either party
33 pursuant to this Act and without incurring any obligation to
34 accept the result of the mediation process. Nothing occurring
35 in mediation shall be disclosed by the Department or admissible
36 in evidence in any subsequent proceeding unless the complainant

 

 

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1 and the respondent agree in writing that such disclosure be
2 made.
3     (C) Investigation.
4         (1) After the respondent has been notified, the
5     Department shall conduct a full investigation of the
6     allegations set forth in the charge.
7         (2) The Director or his or her designated
8     representatives shall have authority to request any member
9     of the Commission to issue subpoenas to compel the
10     attendance of a witness or the production for examination
11     of any books, records or documents whatsoever.
12         (3) If any witness whose testimony is required for any
13     investigation resides outside the State, or through
14     illness or any other good cause as determined by the
15     Director is unable to be interviewed by the investigator or
16     appear at a fact finding conference, his or her testimony
17     or deposition may be taken, within or without the State, in
18     the same manner as is provided for in the taking of
19     depositions in civil cases in circuit courts.
20         (4) Upon reasonable notice to the complainant and the
21     respondent, the Department shall conduct a fact finding
22     conference prior to 365 days after the date on which the
23     charge was filed, unless the Director has determined
24     whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged
25     civil rights violation has been committed or the charge has
26     been dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. If the parties
27     agree in writing, the fact finding conference may be held
28     at a time after the 365 day limit. Any party's failure to
29     attend the conference without good cause shall result in
30     dismissal or default. The term "good cause" shall be
31     defined by rule promulgated by the Department. A notice of
32     dismissal or default shall be issued by the Director and
33     shall notify the relevant party that a request for review
34     may be filed in writing with the Commission Chief Legal
35     Counsel of the Department within 30 days of receipt of
36     notice of dismissal or default.

 

 

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1     (D) Report.
2         (1) Each charge shall be the subject of a report to the
3     Director. The report shall be a confidential document
4     subject to review by the Director, authorized Department
5     employees, the parties, and, where indicated by this Act,
6     members of the Commission or their designated hearing
7     officers.
8         (2) Upon review of the report, the Director shall
9     determine whether there is substantial evidence that the
10     alleged civil rights violation has been committed. The
11     determination of substantial evidence is limited to
12     determining the need for further consideration of the
13     charge pursuant to this Act and includes, but is not
14     limited to, findings of fact and conclusions, as well as
15     the reasons for the determinations on all material issues
16     and questions of credibility. Substantial evidence is
17     evidence which a reasonable mind accepts as sufficient to
18     support a particular conclusion and which consists of more
19     than a mere scintilla but may be somewhat less than a
20     preponderance.
21         (3) (a) If the Director determines:
22             (a) that there is no substantial evidence, the
23         charge shall be dismissed by order of the Director and
24         the complainant notified that he or she may seek review
25         of the dismissal order before the Commission Chief
26         Legal Counsel of the Department. The complainant shall
27         have 30 days from receipt of notice to file a request
28         for review by the Commission Chief Legal Counsel of the
29         Department.
30             (b) If the Director determines that there is
31         substantial evidence, he or she shall designate a
32         Department employee who is an attorney licensed to
33         practice in Illinois to endeavor to eliminate the
34         effect of the alleged civil rights violation and to
35         prevent its repetition by means of conference and
36         conciliation.

 

 

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1     (E) Conciliation.
2         (1) When the Department determines that a formal
3     conciliation conference is necessary, the complainant and
4     respondent shall be notified of the time and place of the
5     conference by registered or certified mail at least 10 days
6     prior thereto and either or both parties shall appear at
7     the conference in person or by attorney.
8         (2) The place fixed for the conference shall be within
9     35 miles of the place where the civil rights violation is
10     alleged to have been committed.
11         (3) Nothing occurring at the conference shall be
12     disclosed by the Department unless the complainant and
13     respondent agree in writing that such disclosure be made.
14     (F) Complaint.
15         (1) When there is a failure to settle or adjust any
16     charge through conciliation, the Department shall prepare
17     a written complaint, under oath or affirmation, stating the
18     nature of the civil rights violation substantially as
19     alleged in the charge previously filed and the relief
20     sought on behalf of the aggrieved party.
21         (2) The complaint shall be filed with the Commission.
22     (G) Time Limit.
23         (1) When a charge of a civil rights violation has been
24     properly filed, the Department, within 365 days thereof or
25     within any extension of that period agreed to in writing by
26     all parties, shall either issue and file a complaint in the
27     manner and form set forth in this Section or shall order
28     that no complaint be issued and dismiss the charge with
29     prejudice without any further right to proceed except in
30     cases in which the order was procured by fraud or duress.
31     Any such order shall be duly served upon both the
32     complainant and the respondent.
33         (2) Between 365 and 395 days after the charge is filed,
34     or such longer period agreed to in writing by all parties,
35     the aggrieved party may file a complaint with the
36     Commission, if the Director has not sooner issued a report

 

 

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1     and determination pursuant to paragraphs (D)(1) and (D)(2)
2     of this Section. The form of the complaint shall be in
3     accordance with the provisions of paragraph (F). The
4     aggrieved party shall notify the Department that a
5     complaint has been filed and shall serve a copy of the
6     complaint on the Department on the same date that the
7     complaint is filed with the Commission.
8         (3) If an aggrieved party files a complaint with the
9     Human Rights Commission pursuant to paragraph (2) of this
10     subsection, or if the time period for filing a complaint
11     has expired, the Department shall immediately cease its
12     investigation and dismiss the charge of civil rights
13     violation. Any final order entered by the Chief Legal
14     Counsel under this Section is appealable in accordance with
15     paragraph (A)(1) of Section 8-111. Failure to immediately
16     cease an investigation and dismiss the charge of civil
17     rights violation as provided in this paragraph (3)
18     constitutes grounds for entry of an order by the circuit
19     court permanently enjoining the investigation. The
20     Department may also be liable for any costs and other
21     damages incurred by the respondent as a result of the
22     action of the Department.
23         (4) The Department shall stay any administrative
24     proceedings under this Section after the filing of a civil
25     action by or on behalf of the aggrieved party under any
26     federal or State law seeking relief with respect to the
27     alleged civil rights violation.
28     (H) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action
29 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
30     (I) This amendatory Act of 1996 applies to causes of action
31 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
32     (J) Except as provided in subsection (K), the changes made
33 to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 94th General
34 Assembly apply to charges filed on or after the effective date
35 of those changes.
36     (K) The changes made to paragraph (D)(2) of this Section by

 

 

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1 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly apply to
2 charges pending on the effective date of those changes.
3 (Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95; 89-520, eff. 7-18-96.)
 
4     (775 ILCS 5/7A-103)  (from Ch. 68, par. 7A-103)
5     Sec. 7A-103. Settlement.
6     (A) Circumstances. A settlement of any charge prior to the
7 filing of a complaint may be effectuated at any time upon
8 agreement of the parties and the approval of the Department. A
9 settlement of any charge after the filing of a complaint shall
10 be effectuated as specified in Section 8-105(A)(2) of this Act.
11     (B) Form. Settlements of charges prior to the filing of
12 complaints shall be reduced to writing by the Department,
13 signed by the parties, and submitted by the Department to the
14 Commission for approval. Settlements of charges after the
15 filing of complaints shall be effectuated as specified in
16 Section 8-105(A)(2) of this Act.
17     (C) Violation.
18         (1) When either party alleges that a settlement order
19     has been violated, the Department shall conduct an
20     investigation into the matter.
21         (2) Upon finding substantial evidence to demonstrate
22     that a settlement has been violated, the Department shall
23     file notice of a settlement order violation with the
24     Commission and serve all parties.
25     (D) Dismissal For Refusal To Accept Settlement Offer. The
26 Department shall dismiss a charge if it is satisfied that:
27         (1) the respondent has eliminated the effects of the
28     civil rights violation charged and taken steps to prevent
29     its repetition; or
30         (2) the respondent offers and the complainant declines
31     to accept terms of settlement which the Department finds
32     are sufficient to eliminate the effects of the civil rights
33     violation charged and prevent its repetition.
34      When the Department dismisses a charge under this Section
35 it shall notify the complainant that he or she may seek review

 

 

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1 of the dismissal order before the Commission Chief Legal
2 Counsel of the Department. The complainant shall have 30 days
3 from receipt of notice to file a request for review by the
4 Commission Chief Legal Counsel of the Department.
5      In determining whether the respondent has eliminated the
6 effects of the civil rights violation charged, or has offered
7 terms of settlement sufficient to eliminate same, the
8 Department shall consider the extent to which the respondent
9 has either fully provided, or reasonably offered by way of
10 terms of settlement, as the case may be, the relevant relief
11 available to the complainant under Section 8-108 of this Act.
12     (E) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action
13 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
14     (F) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act
15 of the 94th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after
16 the effective date of those changes.
17 (Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)
 
18     (775 ILCS 5/7B-102)  (from Ch. 68, par. 7B-102)
19     Sec. 7B-102. Procedures.
20     (A) Charge.
21         (1) Within one year after the date that a civil rights
22     violation allegedly has been committed or terminated, a
23     charge in writing under oath or affirmation may be filed
24     with the Department by an aggrieved party or issued by the
25     Department itself under the signature of the Director.
26         (2) The charge shall be in such detail as to
27     substantially apprise any party properly concerned as to
28     the time, place, and facts surrounding the alleged civil
29     rights violation.
30     (B) Notice and Response to Charge.
31         (1) The Department shall serve notice upon the
32     aggrieved party acknowledging such charge and advising the
33     aggrieved party of the time limits and choice of forums
34     provided under this Act. The Department shall, within 10
35     days of the date on which the charge was filed or the

 

 

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1     identification of an additional respondent under paragraph
2     (2) of this subsection, serve on the respondent a copy of
3     the charge along with a notice identifying the alleged
4     civil rights violation and advising the respondent of the
5     procedural rights and obligations of respondents under
6     this Act and shall require the respondent to file a
7     verified response to the allegations contained in the
8     charge within 30 days. The respondent shall serve a copy of
9     its response on the complainant or his representative. All
10     allegations contained in the charge not timely denied by
11     the respondent shall be deemed admitted, unless the
12     respondent states that it is without sufficient
13     information to form a belief with respect to such
14     allegation. The Department shall issue a notice of default
15     directed to any respondent who fails to file a verified
16     response to a charge within 30 days of the date on which
17     the charge was filed, unless the respondent can demonstrate
18     good cause as to why such notice should not issue. Within
19     10 days of the date he receives the respondent's response,
20     the complainant may file his reply to said response. If he
21     chooses to file a reply, the complainant shall serve a copy
22     of said reply on the respondent or his representative. A
23     party shall have the right to supplement his response or
24     reply at any time that the investigation of the charge is
25     pending.
26         (2) A person who is not named as a respondent in a
27     charge, but who is identified as a respondent in the course
28     of investigation, may be joined as an additional or
29     substitute respondent upon written notice, under
30     subsection (B), to such person, from the Department. Such
31     notice, in addition to meeting the requirements of
32     subsections (A) and (B), shall explain the basis for the
33     Department's belief that a person to whom the notice is
34     addressed is properly joined as a respondent.
35     (C) Investigation.
36         (1) The Department shall conduct a full investigation

 

 

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1     of the allegations set forth in the charge and complete
2     such investigation within 100 days after the filing of the
3     charge, unless it is impracticable to do so.
4         (2) If the Department is unable to complete the
5     investigation within 100 days after the charge is filed,
6     the Department shall notify the complainant and respondent
7     in writing of the reasons for not doing so.
8         (3) The Director or his or her designated
9     representative shall have authority to request any member
10     of the Commission to issue subpoenas to compel the
11     attendance of a witness or the production for examination
12     of any books, records or documents whatsoever.
13         (4) If any witness whose testimony is required for any
14     investigation resides outside the State, or through
15     illness or any other good cause as determined by the
16     Director is unable to be interviewed by the investigator or
17     appear at a fact finding conference, his or her testimony
18     or deposition may be taken, within or without the State, in
19     the same manner as provided for in the taking of
20     depositions in civil cases in circuit courts.
21         (5) Upon reasonable notice to the complainant and the
22     respondent, the Department shall conduct a fact finding
23     conference, unless prior to 100 days from the date on which
24     the charge was filed, the Director has determined whether
25     there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights
26     violation has been committed. A party's failure to attend
27     the conference without good cause may result in dismissal
28     or default. A notice of dismissal or default shall be
29     issued by the Director and shall notify the relevant party
30     that a request for review may be filed in writing with the
31     Commission Chief Legal Counsel of the Department within 30
32     days of receipt of notice of dismissal or default.
33     (D) Report.
34         (1) Each investigated charge shall be the subject of a
35     report to the Director. The report shall be a confidential
36     document subject to review by the Director, authorized

 

 

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1     Department employees, the parties, and, where indicated by
2     this Act, members of the Commission or their designated
3     hearing officers.
4             The report shall contain:
5             (a) the names and dates of contacts with witnesses;
6             (b) a summary and the date of correspondence and
7         other contacts with the aggrieved party and the
8         respondent;
9             (c) a summary description of other pertinent
10         records;
11             (d) a summary of witness statements; and
12             (e) answers to questionnaires.
13         A final report under this paragraph may be amended if
14     additional evidence is later discovered.
15         (2) Upon review of the report and within 100 days of
16     the filing of the charge, unless it is impracticable to do
17     so, the Director shall determine whether there is
18     substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights
19     violation has been committed or is about to be committed.
20     If the Director is unable to make the determination within
21     100 days after the filing of the charge, the Director shall
22     notify the complainant and respondent in writing of the
23     reasons for not doing so.
24             (a) If the Director determines that there is no
25         substantial evidence, the charge shall be dismissed
26         and the aggrieved party notified that he or she may
27         seek review of the dismissal order before the
28         Commission. The aggrieved party shall have 30 days from
29         receipt of notice to file a request for review by the
30         Commission Chief Legal Counsel of the Department. The
31         Director shall make public disclosure of each such
32         dismissal.
33             (b) If the Director determines that there is
34         substantial evidence, he or she shall immediately
35         issue a complaint on behalf of the aggrieved party
36         pursuant to subsection (F).

 

 

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1     (E) Conciliation.
2         (1) During the period beginning with the filing of
3     charge and ending with the filing of a complaint or a
4     dismissal by the Department, the Department shall, to the
5     extent feasible, engage in conciliation with respect to
6     such charge.
7         When the Department determines that a formal
8     conciliation conference is feasible, the aggrieved party
9     and respondent shall be notified of the time and place of
10     the conference by registered or certified mail at least 7
11     days prior thereto and either or both parties shall appear
12     at the conference in person or by attorney.
13         (2) The place fixed for the conference shall be within
14     35 miles of the place where the civil rights violation is
15     alleged to have been committed.
16         (3) Nothing occurring at the conference shall be made
17     public or used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding for
18     the purpose of proving a violation under this Act unless
19     the complainant and respondent agree in writing that such
20     disclosure be made.
21         (4) A conciliation agreement arising out of such
22     conciliation shall be an agreement between the respondent
23     and the complainant, and shall be subject to approval by
24     the Department and Commission.
25         (5) A conciliation agreement may provide for binding
26     arbitration of the dispute arising from the charge. Any
27     such arbitration that results from a conciliation
28     agreement may award appropriate relief, including monetary
29     relief.
30         (6) Each conciliation agreement shall be made public
31     unless the complainant and respondent otherwise agree and
32     the Department determines that disclosure is not required
33     to further the purpose of this Act.
34     (F) Complaint.
35         (1) When there is a failure to settle or adjust any
36     charge through a conciliation conference and the charge is

 

 

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1     not dismissed, the Department shall prepare a written
2     complaint, under oath or affirmation, stating the nature of
3     the civil rights violation and the relief sought on behalf
4     of the aggrieved party. Such complaint shall be based on
5     the final investigation report and need not be limited to
6     the facts or grounds alleged in the charge filed under
7     subsection (A).
8         (2) The complaint shall be filed with the Commission.
9         (3) The Department may not issue a complaint under this
10     Section regarding an alleged civil rights violation after
11     the beginning of the trial of a civil action commenced by
12     the aggrieved party under any State or federal law, seeking
13     relief with respect to that alleged civil rights violation.
14     (G) Time Limit.
15         (1) When a charge of a civil rights violation has been
16     properly filed, the Department, within 100 days thereof,
17     unless it is impracticable to do so, shall either issue and
18     file a complaint in the manner and form set forth in this
19     Section or shall order that no complaint be issued. Any
20     such order shall be duly served upon both the aggrieved
21     party and the respondent.
22         (2) The Director shall make available to the aggrieved
23     party and the respondent, at any time, upon request
24     following completion of the Department's investigation,
25     information derived from an investigation and any final
26     investigative report relating to that investigation.
27     (H) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action
28 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
29     (I) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act
30 of the 94th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after
31 the effective date of those changes.
32 (Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)
 
33     (775 ILCS 5/7B-103)  (from Ch. 68, par. 7B-103)
34     Sec. 7B-103. Settlement.
35     (A) Circumstances. A settlement of any charge prior to the

 

 

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1 filing of a complaint may be effectuated at any time upon
2 agreement of the parties and the approval of the Department. A
3 settlement of any charge after the filing of complaint shall be
4 effectuated as specified in Section 8-105 (A) (2) of this Act.
5     (B) Form. Settlements of charges prior to the filing of
6 complaints shall be reduced to writing by the Department,
7 signed by the parties, and submitted by the Department to the
8 Commission for approval. Settlements of charges after the
9 filing of complaints shall be effectuated as specified in
10 Section 8-105 (A) (2) of this Act.
11     (C) Violation.
12         (1) When either party alleges that a settlement order
13     has been violated, the Department shall conduct an
14     investigation into the matter.
15         (2) Upon finding substantial evidence to demonstrate
16     that a settlement has been violated, the Department shall
17     refer the matter to the Attorney General for enforcement in
18     the circuit court in which the respondent or complainant
19     resides or transacts business or in which the alleged
20     violation took place.
21     (D) Dismissal For Refusal To Accept Settlement Offer. The
22 Department may dismiss a charge if it is satisfied that:
23         (1) the respondent has eliminated the effects of the
24     civil rights violation charged and taken steps to prevent
25     its repetition; or
26         (2) the respondent offers and the aggrieved party
27     declines to accept terms of settlement which the Department
28     finds are sufficient to eliminate the effects of the civil
29     rights violation charged and prevent its repetition.
30         (3) When the Department dismisses a charge under this
31     Section it shall notify the complainant that he or she may
32     seek review of the dismissal order before the Commission.
33     The aggrieved party shall have 30 days from receipt of
34     notice to file a request for review by the Commission Chief
35     Legal Counsel of the Department.
36         (4) In determining whether the respondent has

 

 

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1     eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation
2     charged, or has offered terms of settlement sufficient to
3     eliminate same, the Department shall consider the extent to
4     which the respondent has either fully provided, or
5     reasonably offered by way of terms of settlement, as the
6     case may be, the relevant relief available to the aggrieved
7     party under Section 8B-104 of this Act with the exception
8     of civil penalties.
9     (E) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action
10 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
11     (F) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act
12 of the 94th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after
13 the effective date of those changes.
14 (Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)
 
15     (775 ILCS 5/8-103)  (from Ch. 68, par. 8-103)
16     Sec. 8-103. Request for Review.
17     (A) Applicability. This Section does not apply to any cause
18 of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.
19     (A-1) Jurisdiction. The Commission, through a panel of
20 three members, shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine
21 requests for review of (1) decisions of the Department to
22 dismiss a charge; and (2) notices of default issued by the
23 Department.
24     In each instance, the Department shall be the respondent.
25     (B) Review. When a request for review is properly filed,
26 the Commission may consider the Department's report, any
27 argument and supplemental evidence timely submitted, and the
28 results of any additional investigation conducted by the
29 Department in response to the request. In its discretion, the
30 Commission may designate a hearing officer to conduct a hearing
31 into the factual basis of the matter at issue.
32     (C) Default Order. When a respondent fails to file a timely
33 request for review of a notice of default, or the default is
34 sustained on review, the Commission shall enter a default order
35 and set a hearing on damages.

 

 

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1     (D) Time Period Toll. Proceedings on requests for review
2 shall toll the time limitation established in paragraph (G) of
3 Section 7A-102 from the date on which the Department's notice
4 of dismissal or default is issued to the date on which the
5 Commission's order is entered.
6     (E) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act
7 of the 94th General Assembly apply to charges, complaints, or
8 other proceedings filed with the Department or Commission on or
9 after the effective date of those changes.
10 (Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)
 
11     (775 ILCS 5/8-110)  (from Ch. 68, par. 8-110)
12     Sec. 8-110. Publication of Opinions. Decisions of the
13 Commission or panels thereof, whether on requests for review or
14 complaints, shall be published within 120 calendar days of the
15 completion of service of the written decision on the parties to
16 ensure assure a consistent source of precedent.
17     This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action
18 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
19     The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of
20 the 94th General Assembly apply to decisions of the Commission
21 entered on or after the effective date of those changes.
22 (Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)
 
23     (775 ILCS 5/8-111)  (from Ch. 68, par. 8-111)
24     Sec. 8-111. Court Proceedings.
25     (A) (1) Judicial Review. Any complainant or respondent may
26     apply for and obtain judicial review of a any final order
27     of the Commission entered under this Act by filing a
28     petition for review in the Appellate Court within 35 days
29     from the date that a copy of the decision sought to be
30     reviewed was served upon the party affected by the
31     decision. If a 3-member panel or the full Commission finds
32     that an interlocutory order involves a question of law as
33     to which there is substantial ground for difference of
34     opinion and that an immediate appeal from the order may

 

 

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1     materially advance the ultimate termination of the
2     litigation, any party may petition the Appellate Court for
3     permission to appeal the order. The procedure for obtaining
4     the required Commission findings and the permission of the
5     Appellate Court shall be governed by Supreme Court Rule
6     308, except the references to the "trial court" shall be
7     understood as referring to the Commission.
8         (2) In any proceeding brought for judicial review, the
9     Commission's findings of fact made at the administrative
10     level shall be sustained unless the court determines that
11     such findings are contrary to the manifest weight of the
12     evidence.
13         (3) Venue. Proceedings for judicial review shall be
14     commenced in the appellate court for the district wherein
15     the civil rights violation which is the subject of the
16     Commission's order was allegedly committed.
17     (B) Judicial Enforcement.
18         (1) When the Commission, at the instance of the
19     Department or an aggrieved party, concludes that any person
20     has violated a valid order of the Commission issued
21     pursuant to this Act, and the violation and its effects are
22     not promptly corrected, the Commission, through a panel of
23     3 members, shall order the Department to commence an action
24     in the name of the People of the State of Illinois by
25     complaint, alleging the violation, attaching a copy of the
26     order of the Commission and praying for the issuance of an
27     order directing such person, his or her or its officers,
28     agents, servants, successors and assigns to comply with the
29     order of the Commission.
30         (2) An aggrieved party may file a complaint for
31     enforcement of a valid order of the Commission directly in
32     Circuit Court.
33         (3) Upon the commencement of an action filed under
34     paragraphs (1) or (2) of subsection (B) of this Section the
35     court shall have jurisdiction over the proceedings and
36     power to grant or refuse, in whole or in part, the relief

 

 

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1     sought or impose such other remedy as the court may deem
2     proper.
3         (4) The court may stay an order of the Commission in
4     accordance with the applicable Supreme Court rules,
5     pending disposition of the proceedings.
6         (5) The court may punish for any violation of its order
7     as in the case of civil contempt.
8         (6) Venue. Proceedings for judicial enforcement of a
9     Commission order shall be commenced in the circuit court in
10     the county wherein the civil rights violation which is the
11     subject of the Commission's order was committed.
12     (C) Limitation. Except as otherwise provided by law, no
13 court of this state shall have jurisdiction over the subject of
14 an alleged civil rights violation other than as set forth in
15 this Act.
16     (D) This amendatory Act of 1996 applies to causes of action
17 filed on or after January 1, 1996.
18     (E) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act
19 of the 94th General Assembly apply to charges, complaints, or
20 other proceedings filed with the Department or the Commission
21 on or after the effective date of those changes.
22 (Source: P.A. 88-1; 89-348, eff. 1-1-96; 89-520, eff. 7-18-96.)
 
23     (775 ILCS 5/10-101)  (from Ch. 68, par. 10-101)
24     Sec. 10-101. Applicability. This Article applies With the
25 exception of Section 10-104, this Article shall apply solely to
26 civil actions arising under Article 2, 3, or 6 of this Act as
27 authorized by Sections 10-102 and 10-104.
28     The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of
29 the 94th General Assembly apply to charges, complaints,
30 proceedings, and actions pending before the Department, the
31 Commission, or a court on the effective date of those changes.
32 (Source: P.A. 93-1017, eff. 8-24-04.)
 
33     (775 ILCS 5/10-102)  (from Ch. 68, par. 10-102)
34     Sec. 10-102. Court Actions. (A) Circuit Court Actions. (1)

 

 

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1 An aggrieved party may commence a civil action in an
2 appropriate Circuit Court not later than 2 years after the
3 occurrence or the termination of an alleged civil rights
4 violation or the breach of a conciliation or settlement
5 agreement entered into under this Act, whichever occurs last,
6 to obtain appropriate relief with respect to the alleged civil
7 rights violation or breach. Venue for such civil action shall
8 be determined under Section 8-111(B)(6).
9     (2) The computation of such 2-year period shall not include
10 any time during which an administrative proceeding under this
11 Act was pending with respect to a complaint or charge under
12 this Act based upon the alleged civil rights violation. This
13 paragraph does not apply to actions arising from a breach of a
14 conciliation or settlement agreement.
15     (3) A An aggrieved party may commence a civil action
16 arising under Article 3 of this Act may be commenced by an
17 aggrieved party under this subsection whether or not a charge
18 has been filed under Section 7B-102 and without regard to the
19 status of any such charge, however, if the Department or local
20 agency has obtained a conciliation or settlement agreement with
21 the consent of an aggrieved party, no action may be filed under
22 this subsection by such aggrieved party with respect to the
23 alleged civil rights violation practice which forms the basis
24 for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the
25 terms of such conciliation or settlement agreement.
26     (3.1) A civil action arising under Article 2 or 6 of this
27 Act may be commenced 180 days after the filing of a charge
28 under Section 7A-102(A)(1) regardless of the Department's
29 findings, if any.
30     (4) An aggrieved party shall not commence a civil action
31 under this subsection with respect to an alleged civil rights
32 violation which forms the basis of a complaint issued by the
33 Department if a hearing officer has commenced a hearing on the
34 record under Article 2, 3, or 6 of this Act with respect to
35 such complaint.
36     (B) Appointment of Attorney by Court. Upon application by a

 

 

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1 person alleging a civil rights violation or a person against
2 whom the civil rights violation is alleged, if in the opinion
3 of the court such person is financially unable to bear the
4 costs of such action, the court may:
5     (1) appoint an attorney for such person, any attorney so
6 appointed may petition for an award of attorneys fees pursuant
7 to subsection (C)(2) of this Section; or
8     (2) authorize the commencement or continuation of a civil
9 action under subsection (A) without the payment of fees, costs,
10 or security.
11     (C) Jury demand; relief Relief which may be granted. (1) In
12 a civil action under subsection (A), the plaintiff or the
13 defendant may demand a trial by jury. In a civil action under
14 subsection (A) if the court or jury finds that a civil rights
15 violation has occurred or is about to occur, it the court may
16 award to the plaintiff actual and punitive damages, and the
17 court may grant as relief, as the court deems appropriate, any
18 permanent or preliminary injunction, temporary restraining
19 order, or other order, including an order enjoining the
20 defendant from engaging in such civil rights violation or
21 ordering such affirmative action as may be appropriate.
22     (2) In a civil action under subsection (A), the court, in
23 its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the
24 State of Illinois, reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The
25 State of Illinois shall be liable for such fees and costs to
26 the same extent as a private person.
27     (D) Intervention By The Department. The Attorney General of
28 Illinois may intervene on behalf of the Department if the
29 Department certifies that the case is of general public
30 importance. Upon such intervention the court may award such
31 relief as is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil
32 action under Section 10-102(C).
33     (E) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act
34 of the 94th General Assembly apply to charges, complaints,
35 proceedings, and actions pending before the Department, the
36 Commission, or a court on the effective date of those changes.

 

 

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1 (Source: P.A. 86-910.)
 
2     (775 ILCS 5/7-101.1 rep.)
3     Section 10. The Illinois Human Rights Act is amended by
4 repealing Section 7-101.1.
 
5     Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on
6 January 1, 2006, except that this Section and the changes made
7 to paragraph (D)(2) of Section 7A-102 of the Illinois Human
8 Rights Act take effect upon becoming law.