Employee Sick Leave Act Amended Permitting Leave to Provide Personal Care to Family Members

On April 27, 2021, House Bill 158 was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker. This new law amends Illinois’ Employee Sick Leave Act (ESLA) to allow employees to use personal sick leave benefits, if provided by their employer, to provide personal care to family members.

Prior to this amendment, personal sick leave benefits could be used for absences due to a family member’s illness, injury or medical appointment. Now, employees can use personal sick leave for personal care, which includes time spent ensuring that family members' basic medical, hygiene, nutritional or safety needs are met. This also includes providing family members with transportation to medical appointments, if they are unable to meet their own needs, and being physically present to provide emotional support for family members who have a serious health condition and are receiving inpatient or home care.

Employers who provide personal sick leave benefits should be aware of these developments and update personal sick leave policies as applicable.

House Bill 158 »