SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois is set to strengthen civil rights protections amid federal rollbacks.

A new state law codifies the use of disparate impact standards within the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Sponsors said the change will create stronger protections than the federal minimum by safeguarding people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, financial credit and public housing.

"An employer can review a disparate impact claim by showing that it has challenged the criteria or method is job-related and consistent with necessity," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan). "The burden then shifts to the complainant to show that the business necessity could be served in a different way with less discriminatory effects."

Democrats argue civil rights should not depend on who occupies the White House.

Senate Bill 3777 passed the Senate on a 41-14 vote and received a 72-38 vote in the House. This law takes effect Jan. 1. 

"Illinois has long recognized that discrimination is not always intentional," said Illinois Department of Human Rights Director James Bennett. "Senate Bill 3777 helps preserve an important civil rights framework that allows us to identify and address barriers to opportunity when they disproportionately harm protected communities. This legislation provides clarity, consistency and continued protections for Illinois residents while advancing our shared commitment to fairness and equal opportunity." 

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