SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced legislation to better assess whether policies have discriminatory impacts within the Illinois Human Rights Act.

“Even well-meaning rules can reinforce inequality if we don’t examine their effects,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Evaluating the disparate impact of policies is important because discrimination is not always clear-cut. Sometimes unfairness hides in everyday rules and systems.”

Senate Bill 3777 would codify the use of disparate impact standards within the Illinois Human Rights Act, ensuring policies that appear neutral at face value but disproportionately harm protected communities can still be challenged under state law. The measure would reinforce Illinois’ authority to provide stronger protections than the federal minimum by safeguarding residents from systemic discrimination in employment, housing, education, financial credit and public accommodations.

The measure aims to build on Illinois’ long history of leading on civil rights and ensure protections remain strong, clear and enforceable regardless of shifting federal priorities.

“By codifying these standards into law, we can provide clarity to employers, businesses, financial institutions and other industries as to their responsibilities under the Illinois Human Rights Act,” Johnson said. “It is a powerful tool to challenge systemic discrimination and empowers communities to demand fairer policies and practices.”

Senate Bill 3777 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.