Illinois Family Bereavement Leave Act

The Illinois Family Bereavement Leave Act, which took effect in its expanded form on January 1, 2023, requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with up to 10 workdays of unpaid, job-protected leave following certain qualifying bereavement events. The law applies to employers with 50 or more employees and protects employees who are eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In addition to the death of a covered family member, qualifying events include miscarriage, unsuccessful adoption or surrogacy, and failed assisted reproductive technology. Employers may not retaliate against employees for requesting or taking leave under the Act, and employees are generally required to complete the leave within 60 days of the qualifying event.