Governor Rauner Strengthens Illinois Human Rights Act

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 3464 into law, expanding the authority of the Illinois Department of Human Rights to prohibit discriminatory oral statements in real estate transactions. The legislation, now Public Act 99-0196, allows the Illinois Human Rights Act to more closely reflect federal law in protecting families with children from discrimination.

“Our commitment to protecting Illinois families is made stronger with the passage of this law,” said State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero), chief House sponsor of the legislation. “We stand proudly together against those who would deny equal housing opportunities to our children.” 

“This legislation greatly improves our ability to protect families from unlawful discrimination,” said Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Rocco Claps. “No longer will the dream of a new home be shattered by phrases such as ‘no children allowed.’” 

The new law, which received bipartisan support in the General Assembly and the endorsement of the Illinois Association of Realtors, is effective immediately.

“Words have meaning and our laws need to be strict enough so that people who make discriminatory comments are held accountable,” said Sen. Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago), who sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

For more information on preventing housing discrimination, please contact IDHR’s Fair Housing Division at (312)-814-6229 or visit http://www.illinois.gov/dhr.

The Illinois Human Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, military status, familial status, sexual orientation (including gender identity) or unfavorable military discharge.