Governor JB Pritzker signed HB2775 and SB180 into law, expanding protections for Illinoisans with disabilities in state government and housing. HB2775 amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to ban discrimination in housing selection based on source of income, including non-employment income such as Section 8 vouchers or disability payments. SB180 seeks to expand accommodations for people with disabilities seeking to attend legislative meetings, hearings, and other government events at the Illinois Capitol Complex through formation of an Accessibility Task Force.

HB2775 defines “source of income” as the lawful manner by which an individual supports themselves and their dependents and classifies it as a civil rights violation to discriminate in housing selections based on that income. People with disabilities, those qualifying for housing vouchers, and senior citizens with retirement income have all cited their source of income as being a reason for denial of housing, and many of these vulnerable populations have struggled to find safe and affordable housing as a result.

SB180 forms the General Assembly Accessibility Task Force, which must include people who self-identify as having a disability, to provide recommendations to support accommodations so people with disabilities can fully participate in government events at the Illinois State Capitol. Those attending events such as hearings, meetings, floor procedures, and press conferences will be able to request accessibility measures through the Illinois General Assembly Website.