775 ILCS 5/ Illinois Human Rights Act.

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 3 heading) ARTICLE 3. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

(775 ILCS 5/3-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-101)

Sec. 3-101. Definitions. The following definitions are applicable strictly in the context of this Article:

(A) Real Property. "Real property" includes buildings, structures, real estate, lands, tenements, leaseholds, interests in real estate cooperatives, condominiums, and hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, or any interest therein.

(B) Real Estate Transaction. "Real estate transaction" includes the sale, exchange, rental or lease of real property. "Real estate transaction" also includes the brokering or appraising of residential real property and the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance:

(1) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling; or

(2) secured by residential real estate.

(C) Housing Accommodations. "Housing accommodation" includes any improved or unimproved real property, or part thereof, which is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as the home or residence of one or more individuals.

(D) Real Estate Broker or Salesman. "Real estate broker or salesman" means a person, whether licensed or not, who, for or with the expectation of receiving a consideration, lists, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any of these activities, or who holds himself or herself out as engaged in these.

(E) Familial Status. "Familial status" means one or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with:

(1) a parent or person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or

(2) the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person.

The protections afforded by this Article against discrimination on the basis of familial status apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years.

(F) Conciliation. "Conciliation" means the attempted resolution of issues raised by a charge, or by the investigation of such charge, through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved party, the respondent and the Department.

(G) Conciliation Agreement. "Conciliation agreement" means a written agreement setting forth the resolution of the issues in conciliation.

(H) Covered Multifamily Dwellings. As used in Section 3-102.1, "covered multifamily dwellings" means:

(1) buildings consisting of 4 or more units if such buildings have one or more elevators; and

(2) ground floor units in other buildings consisting of 4 or more units.

(Source: P.A. 86-820; 86-910; 86-1028.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-102)

Sec. 3-102. Civil Rights Violations; Real Estate Transactions) It is a civil rights violation for an owner or any other person engaging in a real estate transaction, or for a real estate broker or salesman, because of unlawful discrimination or familial status, to

(A) Transaction. Refuse to engage in a real estate transaction with a person or to discriminate in making available such a transaction;

(B) Terms. Alter the terms, conditions or privileges of a real estate transaction or in the furnishing of facilities or services in connection therewith;

(C) Offer. Refuse to receive or to fail to transmit a bona fide offer to engage in a real estate transaction from a person;

(D) Negotiation. Refuse to negotiate for a real estate transaction with a person;

(E) Representations. Represent to a person that real property is not available for inspection, sale, rental, or lease when in fact it is so available, or to fail to bring a property listing to his or her attention, or to refuse to permit him or her to inspect real property;

(F) Publication of Intent. Print, circulate, post, mail, publish or cause to be so published a written or oral statement, advertisement or sign, or to use a form of application for a real estate transaction, or to make a record or inquiry in connection with a prospective real estate transaction, which expresses any limitation founded upon, or indicates, directly or indirectly, an intent to engage in unlawful discrimination;

(G) Listings. Offer, solicit, accept, use or retain a listing of real property with knowledge that unlawful discrimination or discrimination on the basis of familial status in a real estate transaction is intended.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-102.1) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-102.1)

Sec. 3-102.1. Disability.

(A) It is a civil rights violation to refuse to sell or rent or to otherwise make unavailable or deny a dwelling to any buyer or renter because of a disability of that buyer or renter, a disability of a person residing or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is sold, rented or made available or a disability of any person associated with the buyer or renter.

(B) It is a civil rights violation to alter the terms, conditions or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling or the provision of services or facilities in connection with such dwelling because of a disability of a person with a disability or a disability of any person residing or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is sold, rented or made available, or a disability of any person associated with that person.

(C) It is a civil rights violation:

(1) to refuse to permit, at the expense of the person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises; except that, in the case of a rental, the landlord may, where it is reasonable to do so, condition permission for a modification on the renter agreeing to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before modifications, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The landlord may not increase for persons with a disability any customarily required security deposit. However, where it is necessary in order to ensure with reasonable certainty that funds will be available to pay for the restorations at the end of the tenancy, the landlord may negotiate as part of such a restoration agreement a provision requiring that the tenant pay into an interest bearing escrow account, over a reasonable period, a reasonable amount of money not to exceed the cost of the restorations. The interest in any such account shall accrue to the benefit of the tenant. A landlord may condition permission for a modification on the renter providing a reasonable description of the proposed modifications as well as reasonable assurances that the work will be done in a workmanlike manner and that any required building permits will be obtained;

(2) to refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling; or

(3) in connection with the design and construction of covered multifamily dwellings for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, to fail to design and construct those dwellings in such a manner that:

(a) the public use and common use portions of such dwellings are readily accessible to and usable by persons with a disability;

(b) all the doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises within such dwellings are sufficiently wide to allow passage by persons with a disability in wheelchairs; and

(c) all premises within such dwellings contain the following features of adaptive design:

(i) an accessible route into and through the dwelling;

(ii) light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations;

(iii) reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars; and

(iv) usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.

(D) Compliance with the appropriate standards of the Illinois Accessibility Code for adaptable dwelling units (71 Illinois Administrative Code Section 400.350 (e) 1-6) suffices to satisfy the requirements of subsection (C)(3)(c).

(E) If a unit of local government has incorporated into its law the requirements set forth in subsection (C)(3), compliance with its law shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of that subsection.

(F) A unit of local government may review and approve newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings for the purpose of making determinations as to whether the design and construction requirements of subsection (C)(3) are met.

(G) The Department shall encourage, but may not require, units of local government to include in their existing procedures for the review and approval of newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, determinations as to whether the design and construction of such dwellings are consistent with subsection (C)(3), and shall provide technical assistance to units of local government and other persons to implement the requirements of subsection (C)(3).

(H) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the Department to review or approve the plans, designs or construction of all covered multifamily dwellings to determine whether the design and construction of such dwellings are consistent with the requirements of subsection (C)(3).

(I) Nothing in subsections (E), (F), (G) or (H) shall be construed to affect the authority and responsibility of the Department to receive and process complaints or otherwise engage in enforcement activities under State and local law.

(J) Determinations by a unit of local government under subsections (E) and (F) shall not be conclusive in enforcement proceedings under this Act if those determinations are not in accord with the terms of this Act.

(K) Nothing in this Section requires that a dwelling be made available to an individual whose tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of others or would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others.

(Source: P.A. 95-668, eff. 10-10-07.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-103)

Sec. 3-103. Blockbusting. It is a civil rights violation for any person to:

(A) Solicitation. Solicit for sale, lease, listing or purchase any residential real estate within this State, on the grounds of loss of value due to the present or prospective entry into the vicinity of the property involved of any person or persons of any particular race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status or disability.

(B) Statements. Distribute or cause to be distributed, written material or statements designed to induce any owner of residential real estate in this State to sell or lease his or her property because of any present or prospective changes in the race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status or disability of residents in the vicinity of the property involved.

(C) Creating Alarm. Intentionally create alarm, among residents of any community, by transmitting communications in any manner, including a telephone call whether or not conversation thereby ensues, with a design to induce any owner of residential real estate in this state to sell or lease his or her property because of any present or prospective entry into the vicinity of the property involved of any person or persons of any particular race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status or disability.

(Source: P.A. 97-877, eff. 8-2-12.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-104.1) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-104.1)

Sec. 3-104.1. Refusal to sell or rent because a person has a guide, hearing or support dog. It is a civil rights violation for the owner or agent of any housing accommodation to:

(A) refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bonafide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny property to any blind, hearing impaired or physically disabled person because he has a guide, hearing or support dog; or

(B) discriminate against any blind, hearing impaired or physically disabled person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental property, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because he has a guide, hearing or support dog; or

(C) require, because a blind, hearing impaired or physically disabled person has a guide, hearing or support dog, an extra charge in a lease, rental agreement, or contract of purchase or sale, other than for actual damage done to the premises by the dog.

(Source: P.A. 95-668, eff. 10-10-07.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-105) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-105)

Sec. 3-105. Restrictive Covenants.)

(A) Agreements. Every provision in an oral agreement or a written instrument relating to real property which purports to forbid or restrict the conveyance, encumbrance, occupancy or lease thereof on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin is void.

(B) Limitations. (1) Every condition, restriction or prohibition, including a right of entry or possibility of reverter, which directly or indirectly limits the use or occupancy of real property on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin is void.

(2) This Section shall not apply to a limitation of use on the basis of religion of real property held by a religious institution or organization or by a religious or charitable organization operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution or organization, and used for religious or charitable purposes.

(C) Civil Rights Violations. It is a civil rights violation to insert in a written instrument relating to real property a provision that is void under this Section or to honor or attempt to honor such a provision in the chain of title.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-105.1)

Sec. 3-105.1. Interference, coercion, or intimidation. It is a civil rights violation to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his or her having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of his or her having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this Article 3.

(Source: P.A. 94-78, eff. 1-1-06.)

(775 ILCS 5/3-106) (from Ch. 68, par. 3-106)

Sec. 3-106. Exemptions. Nothing contained in Section 3-102 shall prohibit:

(A) Private Sales of Single Family Homes.

(1) Any sale of a single family home by its owner so long as the following criteria are met:

(a) The owner does not own or have a beneficial interest in more than three single family homes at the time of the sale;

(b) The owner or a member of his or her family was the last current resident of the home;

(c) The home is sold without the use in any manner of the sales or rental facilities or services of any real estate broker or salesman, or of any employee or agent of any real estate broker or salesman;

(d) The home is sold without the publication, posting or mailing, after notice, of any advertisement or written notice in violation of paragraph (F) of Section 3-102.

(2) This exemption does not apply to paragraph (F) of Section 3-102.

(B) Apartments. Rental of a housing accommodation in a building which contains housing accommodations for not more than 4 families living independently of each other, if the owner resides in one of the housing accommodations. This exemption does not apply to paragraph (F) of Section 3-102.

(C) Private Rooms. Rental of a room or rooms in a private home by an owner if he or she or a member of his or her family resides therein or, while absent for a period of not more than twelve months, if he or she or a member of his or her family intends to return to reside therein.

(D) Reasonable local, State, or Federal restrictions regarding the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling.

(E) Religious Organizations. A religious organization, association, or society, or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society, from limiting the sale, rental or occupancy of a dwelling which it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion, or from giving preference to such persons, unless membership in such religion is restricted on account of race, color, or national origin.

(F) Sex. Restricting the rental of rooms in a housing accommodation to persons of one sex.

(G) Persons Convicted of Drug-Related Offenses. Conduct against a person because such person has been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in Section 102 of the federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).

(H) Persons engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property from taking into consideration factors other than those based on unlawful discrimination or familial status in furnishing appraisals.

(H-1) The owner of an owner-occupied residential building with 4 or fewer units (including the unit in which the owner resides) from making decisions regarding whether to rent to a person based upon that person's sexual orientation.

(I) Housing for Older Persons. No provision in this Article regarding familial status shall apply with respect to housing for older persons.

(1) As used in this Section, "housing for older persons" means housing:

(a) provided under any State or Federal program that the Department determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons (as defined in the State or Federal program); or

(b) intended for, and solely occupied by, persons 62 years of age or older; or

(c) intended and operated for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older and:

(i) at least 80% of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person who is 55 years of age or older;

(ii) the housing facility or community publishes and adheres to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent required under this subdivision (c); and

(iii) the housing facility or community complies with rules adopted by the Department for verification of occupancy, which shall:

(aa) provide for verification by reliable surveys and affidavits; and

(bb) include examples of the types of policies and procedures relevant to a determination of compliance with the requirement of clause (ii).

These surveys and affidavits shall be admissible in administrative and judicial proceedings for the purposes of such verification.

(2) Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of:

(a) persons residing in such housing as of the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1989 who do not meet the age requirements of subsections (1)(b) or (c); provided, that new occupants of such housing meet the age requirements of subsections (1)(b) or (c) of this subsection; or

(b) unoccupied units; provided, that such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the age requirements of subsections (1)(b) or (c) of this subsection.

(3) (a) A person shall not be held personally liable for monetary damages for a violation of this Article if the person reasonably relied, in good faith, on the application of the exemption under this subsection (I) relating to housing for older persons.

(b) For the purposes of this item (3), a person may show good faith reliance on the application of the exemption only by showing that:

(i) the person has no actual knowledge that the facility or community is not, or will not be, eligible for the exemption; and

(ii) the facility or community has stated formally, in writing, that the facility or community complies with the requirements for the exemption.

(J) Child Sex Offender Refusal to Rent. Refusal of a child sex offender who owns and resides at residential real estate to rent any residential unit within the same building in which he or she resides to a person who is the parent or guardian of a child or children under 18 years of age.

(Source: P.A. 95-42, eff. 8-10-07; 95-820, eff. 1-1-09.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 4 heading) ARTICLE 4. FINANCIAL CREDIT

(775 ILCS 5/4-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 4-101)

Sec. 4-101. Definitions. The following definitions are applicable strictly in the context of this Article:

(A) Credit Card. "Credit card" has the meaning set forth in Section 17-0.5 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

(B) Financial Institution. "Financial institution" means any bank, credit union, insurance company, mortgage banking company or savings and loan association which operates or has a place of business in this State.

(C) Loan. "Loan" includes, but is not limited to, the providing of funds, for consideration, which are sought for: (1) the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a housing accommodation as that term is defined in paragraph (C) of Section 3-101; or (2) any commercial or industrial purposes.

(D) Varying Terms. "Varying the terms of a loan" includes, but is not limited to, the following practices:

(1) Requiring a greater down payment than is usual for the particular type of a loan involved.

(2) Requiring a shorter period of amortization than is usual for the particular type of loan involved.

(3) Charging a higher interest rate than is usual for the particular type of loan involved.

(4) An under appraisal of real estate or other item of property offered as security.

(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(775 ILCS 5/4-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 4-102)

Sec. 4-102. Civil Rights Violations: Loans. It shall be a civil rights violation for any financial institution, on the grounds of unlawful discrimination, to:

(A) Denial of Services. Deny any person any of the services normally offered by such an institution.

(B) Modification of Services. Provide any person with any service which is different from, or provided in a different manner than, that which is provided to other persons similarly situated.

(C) Loan Terms. Deny or vary the terms of a loan.

(D) Property Location. Deny or vary the terms of a loan on the basis that a specific parcel of real estate offered as security is located in a specific geographical area.

(E) Consideration of Income. Deny or vary the terms of a loan without having considered all of the regular and dependable income of each person who would be liable for repayment of the loan.

(F) Lending Standards. Utilize lending standards that have no economic basis and which constitute unlawful discrimination.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/4-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 4-103)

Sec. 4-103. Credit Cards. It is a civil rights violation for a person who offers credit cards to the public in this State:

(A) Denial. To refuse to issue a credit card, upon proper application, on the basis of unlawful discrimination.

(B) Reasons for Rejection. To fail to inform an applicant for a credit card, upon request, of the reason that his or her application for a credit has been rejected.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/4-104) (from Ch. 68, par. 4-104)

Sec. 4-104. Exemptions) Nothing contained in this Article shall prohibit:

(A) Sound Underwriting Practices. A financial institution from considering sound underwriting practices in contemplation of any loan to any person. Such practices shall include:

(1) The willingness and the financial ability of the borrower to repay the loan.

(2) The market value of any real estate or other item of property proposed as security for any loan.

(3) Diversification of the financial institution's investment portfolio.

(B) Credit-worthiness Information; Credit Systems. A financial institution or a person who offers credit cards from:

(1) making an inquiry of the applicant's age, permanent residence, immigration status, or any additional information if such inquiry is for the purpose of determining the amount and probable continuance of income levels, credit history, or other pertinent element of credit-worthiness as provided in regulations of the Department;

(2) using any empirically derived credit system which considers age if such system is demonstrably and statistically sound in accordance with regulations of the Department, except that in the operation of such system the age of an applicant over the age of 62 years may not be assigned a negative factor or value.

(C) Special Credit Programs. A financial institution from refusing to extend credit when required to by or pursuant to any:

(1) credit assistance program expressly authorized by law for an economically disadvantaged class of persons;

(2) credit assistance program administered by a nonprofit organization for its members of an economically disadvantaged class of persons;

(3) special purpose credit program offered by a profit-making organization to meet special social needs which meets standards prescribed by the Department in its regulations.

(Source: P.A. 81-1267.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 5 heading) ARTICLE 5. PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS

(775 ILCS 5/5-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 5-101)

Sec. 5-101. Definitions) The following definitions are applicable strictly in the context of this Article:

(A) Place of Public Accommodation. "Place of public accommodation" includes, but is not limited to:

(1) an inn, hotel, motel, or other place of lodging, except for an establishment located within a building that contains not more than 5 units for rent or hire and that is actually occupied by the proprietor of such establishment as the residence of such proprietor;

(2) a restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or drink;

(3) a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;

(4) an auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, or other place of public gathering;

(5) a bakery, grocery store, clothing store, hardware store, shopping center, or other sales or rental establishment;

(6) a laundromat, dry-cleaner, bank, barber shop, beauty shop, travel service, shoe repair service, funeral parlor, gas station, office of an accountant or lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office, professional office of a health care provider, hospital, or other service establishment;

(7) public conveyances on air, water, or land;

(8) a terminal, depot, or other station used for specified public transportation;

(9) a museum, library, gallery, or other place of public display or collection;

(10) a park, zoo, amusement park, or other place of recreation;

(11) a non-sectarian nursery, day care center, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate school, or other place of education;

(12) a senior citizen center, homeless shelter, food bank, non-sectarian adoption agency, or other social service center establishment; and

(13) a gymnasium, health spa, bowling alley, golf course, or other place of exercise or recreation.

(B) Operator. "Operator" means any owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or occupant of a place of public accommodation or an employee of any such person or persons.

(C) Public Official. "Public official" means any officer or employee of the state or any agency thereof, including state political subdivisions, municipal corporations, park districts, forest preserve districts, educational institutions and schools.

(Source: P.A. 95-668, eff. 10-10-07; 96-814, eff. 1-1-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/5-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 5-102)

Sec. 5-102. Civil Rights Violations: Public Accommodations. It is a civil rights violation for any person on the basis of unlawful discrimination to:

(A) Enjoyment of Facilities, Goods, and Services. Deny or refuse to another the full and equal enjoyment of the facilities, goods, and services of any public place of accommodation;

(B) Written Communications. Directly or indirectly, as the operator of a place of public accommodation, publish, circulate, display or mail any written communication, except a private communication sent in response to a specific inquiry, which the operator knows is to the effect that any of the facilities of the place of public accommodation will be denied to any person or that any person is unwelcome, objectionable or unacceptable because of unlawful discrimination;

(C) Public Officials. Deny or refuse to another, as a public official, the full and equal enjoyment of the accommodations, advantage, facilities or privileges of the official's office or services or of any property under the official's care because of unlawful discrimination.

(Source: P.A. 95-668, eff. 10-10-07.)

(775 ILCS 5/5-102.1)

Sec. 5-102.1. No Civil Rights Violation: Public Accommodations.

(a) It is not a civil rights violation for a medical, dental, or other health care professional or a private professional service provider such as a lawyer, accountant, or insurance agent to refer or refuse to treat or provide services to an individual in a protected class for any non-discriminatory reason if, in the normal course of his or her operations or business, the professional would for the same reason refer or refuse to treat or provide services to an individual who is not in the protected class of the individual who seeks or requires the same or similar treatment or services.

(b) With respect to a place of public accommodation defined in paragraph (11) of Section 5-101, the exercise of free speech, free expression, free exercise of religion or expression of religiously based views by any individual or group of individuals that is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I, or Section 4 of Article I, of the Illinois Constitution, shall not be a civil rights violation.

(Source: P.A. 95-668, eff. 10-10-07; 96-814, eff. 1-1-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/5-102.2)

Sec. 5-102.2. Jurisdiction limited. In regard to places of public accommodation defined in paragraph (11) of Section 5-101, the jurisdiction of the Department is limited to: (1) the failure to enroll an individual; (2) the denial of access to facilities, goods, or services; or (3) severe or pervasive harassment of an individual when the covered entity fails to take corrective action to stop the severe or pervasive harassment.

(Source: P.A. 96-814, eff. 1-1-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/5-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 5-103)

Sec. 5-103. Exemption. Nothing in this Article shall apply to:

(A) Private Club. A private club, or other establishment not in fact open to the public, except to the extent that the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of the establishment are made available to the customers or patrons of another establishment that is a place of public accommodation.

(B) Facilities Distinctly Private. Any facility, as to discrimination based on sex, which is distinctly private in nature such as restrooms, shower rooms, bath houses, health clubs and other similar facilities for which the Department, in its rules and regulations, may grant exemptions based on bona fide considerations of public policy.

(C) Inn, Hotel, Rooming House. Any facility, as to discrimination based on sex, which restricts the rental of rooms to individuals of one sex.

(Source: P.A. 85-567.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 5A heading) ARTICLE 5A. ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND HIGHER EDUCATION (Source: P.A. 96-1319, eff. 7-27-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/5A-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 5A-101)

Sec. 5A-101. Definitions. The following definitions are applicable strictly in the content of this Article, except that the term "sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education" as defined herein has the meaning herein ascribed to it whenever that term is used anywhere in this Act.

(A) Institution of Elementary, Secondary, or Higher Education. "Institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education" means: (1) a publicly or privately operated university, college, community college, junior college, business or vocational school, or other educational institution offering degrees and instruction beyond the secondary school level; or (2) a publicly or privately operated elementary school or secondary school.

(B) Degree. "Degree" means: (1) a designation, appellation, series of letters or words or other symbols which signifies or purports to signify that the recipient thereof has satisfactorily completed an organized academic, business or vocational program of study offered beyond the secondary school level; or (2) a designation signifying that the recipient has graduated from an elementary school or secondary school.

(C) Student. "Student" means any individual admitted to or applying for admission to an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education, or enrolled on a full or part time basis in a course or program of academic, business or vocational instruction offered by or through an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education.

(D) Elementary, Secondary, or Higher Education Representative. "Elementary, secondary, or higher education representative" means and includes the president, chancellor or other holder of any executive office on the administrative staff of an institution of higher education, an administrator of an elementary school or secondary school, a member of the faculty of an institution of higher education, including but not limited to a dean or associate or assistant dean, a professor or associate or assistant professor, and a full or part time instructor or visiting professor, including a graduate assistant or other student who is employed on a temporary basis of less than full time as a teacher or instructor of any course or program of academic, business or vocational instruction offered by or through an institution of higher education, and any teacher, instructor, or other employee of an elementary school or secondary school.

(E) Sexual Harassment in Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Education. "Sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education" means any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors made by an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative to a student, or any conduct of a sexual nature exhibited by an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative toward a student, when such conduct has the purpose of substantially interfering with the student's educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment; or when the elementary, secondary, or higher education representative either explicitly or implicitly makes the student's submission to such conduct a term or condition of, or uses the student's submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for determining:

(1) Whether the student will be admitted to an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education;

(2) The educational performance required or expected of the student;

(3) The attendance or assignment requirements applicable to the student;

(4) To what courses, fields of study or programs, including honors and graduate programs, the student will be admitted;

(5) What placement or course proficiency requirements are applicable to the student;

(6) The quality of instruction the student will receive;

(7) What tuition or fee requirements are applicable to the student;

(8) What scholarship opportunities are available to the student;

(9) What extracurricular teams the student will be a member of or in what extracurricular competitions the student will participate;

(10) Any grade the student will receive in any examination or in any course or program of instruction in which the student is enrolled;

(11) The progress of the student toward successful completion of or graduation from any course or program of instruction in which the student is enrolled; or

(12) What degree, if any, the student will receive.

(Source: P.A. 96-1319, eff. 7-27-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/5A-101.1)

Sec. 5A-101.1. Notice.

(A) Every institution of higher education covered by this Act shall post in a prominent and accessible location a poster stating sexual harassment laws and policies. The poster shall be (i) posted and kept posted at each campus in common area positions easily accessible to all students including, but not limited to residence halls, administration buildings, student unions, cafeterias, and libraries or (ii) posted annually at each campus in common area positions easily accessible to all students including, but not limited to, residence halls, administration buildings, student unions, cafeterias, and libraries, with an electronic copy of the sexual harassment laws and policies also sent to each student at the time that registration materials are emailed or (iii) on campuses that provide for online registration of student classes, such information pertaining to sexual harassment laws and policies may be incorporated into the registration process so that students must review the policies and laws and acknowledge such review, prior to being allowed to register. Documents to be posted shall be retrieved from the Illinois Department of Human Rights website to satisfy posting requirements. Posting of the posters shall be effectuated within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly and shall occur annually thereafter.

(B) The posted sexual harassment poster shall include, at a minimum, the following information: (i) the illegality of sexual harassment in higher education; (ii) the definition of sexual harassment under State law; (iii) a description of sexual harassment, utilizing examples; (iv) the institution's internal complaint process including penalties; (v) the legal recourse, investigative and complaint process available through the Department of Human Rights; (vi) directions on how to contact the Department; and (vii) protection against retaliation as provided by Section 6-101 of this Act.

(C) Upon notification of a failure to post, the Department of Human Rights may launch a preliminary investigation. If the Department finds a failure to post, the Department may issue a notice to show cause giving the institution 30 days to correct the failure to post. If the failure to post is not corrected, the Department may initiate a charge of a civil rights violation.

(Source: P.A. 96-574, eff. 8-18-09.)

(775 ILCS 5/5A-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 5A-102)

Sec. 5A-102. Civil Rights Violations-Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Education. It is a civil rights violation:

(A) Elementary, Secondary, or Higher Education Representative. For any elementary, secondary, or higher education representative to commit or engage in sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, or higher education.

(B) Institution of Elementary, Secondary, or Higher Education. For any institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education to fail to take remedial action, or to fail to take appropriate disciplinary action against an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative employed by such institution, when such institution knows that such elementary, secondary, or higher education representative was committing or engaging in or committed or engaged in sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, or higher education.

(Source: P.A. 96-574, eff. 8-18-09; 96-1319, eff. 7-27-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 6 heading) ARTICLE 6. ADDITIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

(775 ILCS 5/6-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 6-101)

Sec. 6-101. Additional Civil Rights Violations. It is a civil rights violation for a person, or for two or more persons to conspire, to:

(A) Retaliation. Retaliate against a person because he or she has opposed that which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to be unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment in employment or sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education, discrimination based on citizenship status in employment, or because he or she has made a charge, filed a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Act;

(B) Aiding and Abetting; Coercion. Aid, abet, compel or coerce a person to commit any violation of this Act;

(C) Interference. Wilfully interfere with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the Commission or one of its members or representatives or the Department or one of its officers or employees.

Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, "sexual harassment" and "citizenship status" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 2-101 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-1319, eff. 7-27-10; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

(775 ILCS 5/6-102)

Sec. 6-102. Violations of other Acts. A person who violates the Military Leave of Absence Act, the Public Employee Armed Services Rights Act, Section 11-117-12.2 of the Illinois Municipal Code, Section 224.05 of the Illinois Insurance Code, Section 8-201.5 of the Public Utilities Act, Sections 2-1401.1, 9-107.10, 9-107.11, and 15-1501.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, Section 4.05 of the Interest Act, the Military Personnel Cellular Phone Contract Termination Act, Section 405-272 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, Section 10-63 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, Sections 30.25 and 30.30 of the Military Code of Illinois, Section 16 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 26.5 of the Retail Installment Sales Act, or Section 37 of the Motor Vehicle Leasing Act commits a civil rights violation within the meaning of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-913, eff. 1-1-13.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 7 heading) ARTICLE 7. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS; DUTIES; PROCEDURES

(775 ILCS 5/7-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-101)

Sec. 7-101. Powers and Duties. In addition to other powers and duties prescribed in this Act, the Department shall have the following powers:

(A) Rules and Regulations. To adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(B) Charges. To issue, receive, investigate, conciliate, settle, and dismiss charges filed in conformity with this Act.

(C) Compulsory Process. To request subpoenas as it deems necessary for its investigations.

(D) Complaints. To file complaints with the Commission in conformity with this Act.

(E) Judicial Enforcement. To seek temporary relief and to enforce orders of the Commission in conformity with this Act.

(F) Equal Employment Opportunities. To take such action as may be authorized to provide for equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.

(G) Recruitment; Research; Public Communication; Advisory Councils. To engage in such recruitment, research and public communication and create such advisory councils as may be authorized to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

(H) Coordination with Federal and Local Agencies. To coordinate its activities with federal and local agencies in conformity with this Act.

(I) Public Grants; Private Gifts. To accept public grants and private gifts as may be authorized.

(J) Education and Training. To implement a formal and unbiased program of education and training for all employees assigned to investigate and conciliate charges under Articles 7A and 7B. The training program shall include the following:

(1) substantive and procedural aspects of the investigation and conciliation positions;

(2) current issues in human rights law and practice;

(3) lectures by specialists in substantive areas related to human rights matters;

(4) orientation to each operational unit of the Department and Commission;

(5) observation of experienced Department investigators and attorneys conducting conciliation conferences, combined with the opportunity to discuss evidence presented and rulings made;

(6) the use of hypothetical cases requiring the Department investigator and conciliation conference attorney to issue judgments as a means to evaluating knowledge and writing ability;

(7) writing skills;

(8) computer skills, including but not limited to word processing and document management.

A formal, unbiased and ongoing professional development program including, but not limited to, the above-noted areas shall be implemented to keep Department investigators and attorneys informed of recent developments and issues and to assist them in maintaining and enhancing their professional competence.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-101.1)

Sec. 7-101.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 89-520, eff. 7-18-96. Repealed by P.A. 95-243, eff. 1-1-08.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-105) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-105)

Sec. 7-105. Equal Employment Opportunities; Affirmative Action. In order to establish and effectuate the policies of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, the Department shall, with respect to state executive departments, boards, commissions and instrumentalities and any party to a public contract:

(A) Policies; Rules; Regulations. Establish equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies, rules and regulations which specify plans, programs and reporting procedures. Such rules may provide for exemptions or modifications as may be necessary to assure the continuity of federal requirements in State agencies supported in whole or in part by federal funds.

(B) Minimum Compliance Criteria. Establish minimum compliance criteria and procedures for evaluating equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs and plans.

(C) Technical Assistance. Provide technical assistance, training, and advice for the establishment and implementation of required programs.

(D) Meetings. Hold meetings at least annually with the head of each State agency and when necessary with any party to a public contract to:

(1) Review equal employment opportunity plans and progress, performance and problems in meeting equal opportunity goals.

(2) Recommend appropriate changes to the plans and procedures and the methods employed to implement the plans.

(E) Report. Include within its annual report, filed pursuant to Section 5-650 of the Departments of State Government Law (20 ILCS 5/5-650), the progress, performance, and problems of meeting equal opportunity goals, and the identity of any State agency which fails to comply with the requirements of this Act and the circumstances surrounding such violation.

(F) Personnel Operations. Periodically review personnel operations of State agencies to assure their conformity with this Act and the agency's plan.

(G) Equal Employment Opportunity Officers. Approve the appointment of equal employment opportunity officers hired pursuant to subparagraph (4) of paragraph (B) of Section 2-105.

(H) Enforcement. Require State agencies which fail to meet their affirmative action and equal employment opportunity goals by equal employment opportunity category to establish necessary training programs for preparation and promotion of the category of individuals affected by the failure. An agency required to establish training programs under this subsection shall do so in cooperation with the Department of Central Management Services as provided in Section 405-125 of the Department of Central Management Services Law (20 ILCS 405/405-125).

The Department by rule or regulation shall provide for the implementation of this subsection. Such rules or regulations shall prescribe but not be limited to the following:

(1) the circumstances and conditions which constitute an agency's failure to meet its affirmative action and equal employment opportunity goals;

(2) the time period for measuring success or failure in reaching affirmative action and equal employment opportunity goals; and

(3) that training programs shall be limited to State employees.

This subsection shall not be construed to conflict with any contract between the State and any party which is approved and ratified by or on September 11, 1990.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-105a) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-105a)

Sec. 7-105a. (a) In order to facilitate the implementation of the policies of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, the State executive departments, boards, commissions and instrumentalities shall, on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1983, on all forms used to collect information from individuals for official purposes, when such forms request information concerning the race or ethnicity of an individual by providing spaces for the designation of that individual as "white" or "black", or the semantic equivalent thereof, provide an additional space for a designation as "Hispanic".

(b) Whenever a State executive department, board, commission or instrumentality is required to supply information to the Department concerning the racial or ethnic composition of its employees, clients or other groups of individuals on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1983, the agency supplying such information shall supply the information by categories of "white", "black", and "Hispanic", or the semantic equivalent thereof, unless otherwise required by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 83-648.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-105b) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-105b)

Sec. 7-105b. Compliance with State Employment Records Act. The Department, as required by and for the purposes of the State Employment Records Act, shall, on a fiscal year basis, report the total number of persons employed within the State work force that are under the monitoring jurisdiction of the Department and provide any other information necessary to facilitate an accurate compilation of the entire State work force as defined and required by that Act. The State Employment Records (SER) report shall be maintained and kept on file within the Department.

(Source: P.A. 87-1211.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-106) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-106)

Sec. 7-106. Recruitment; Research; Public Communication) For the purpose of promoting equal employment and housing opportunities and eliminating unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment in employment and sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education, the Department shall have authority to:

(A) Recruitment. Cooperate with public and private organizations, as well as the Department of Central Management Services, in encouraging individuals in underrepresented classifications to seek employment in state government.

(B) Publications; Research. Issue publications, conduct research, and make surveys as it deems necessary.

(C) Public Hearings. Hold public hearings to obtain information from the general public on the effectiveness of the state's equal employment opportunity program and the protection against unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment in employment and sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education afforded by this Act and to accept public recommendations concerning changes in the program and the Act for inclusion in its annual report.

(D) Promotion of Communication and Goodwill. Establish a program to cooperate with civic, religious and educational organizations in order to improve human communication and understanding, foster equal opportunities in employment and housing, and promote and encourage communication, goodwill and interfaith and interracial harmony.

(Source: P.A. 96-1319, eff. 7-27-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-107) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-107)

Sec. 7-107. Advisory Councils) The Department shall have authority, as the need requires, to create local or statewide advisory councils to aid in effectuating the purposes of this Act, to limit the duration of a council's existence, and to empower a council to:

(A) Study. Study and report on problems of unlawful discrimination and equal employment opportunity.

(B) Goodwill. Foster through community effort or otherwise goodwill among the groups and segments of the population of Illinois.

(C) Recommendations. Make recommendations to the Department for the development of policies and practices that will aid in carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(D) Support Services. Receive technical and clerical assistance and reimbursement of actual expenses from the Department.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-108) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-108)

Sec. 7-108. Local Departments, Commissions.

(A) Authority. A political subdivision, or two or more political subdivisions acting jointly, may create a local department or commission as it or they see fit to promote the purposes of this Act and to secure for all individuals within the jurisdiction of the political subdivision or subdivisions freedom from unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment in employment and sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education. The provisions of any ordinance enacted by any municipality or county which prohibits broader or different categories of discrimination than are prohibited by this Act are not invalidated or affected by this Act.

(B) Concurrent Jurisdiction. When the Department and a local department or commission have concurrent jurisdiction over a complaint, either may transfer the complaint to the other under regulations established by the Department.

(C) Exclusive Jurisdiction. When the Department or a local department or commission has jurisdiction over a complaint and the other does not, the Department or local department or commission without jurisdiction may transfer the complaint to the other under regulations established by the Department.

(D) To secure and guarantee the rights established by Sections 17, 18 and 19 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution, any ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation of any county, municipality or other unit of local government or of any local department or commission which prohibits, restricts, narrows or limits the housing choice of any person is unenforceable and void. Nothing in this amendatory Act of 1981 prohibits a unit of local government from making special outreach efforts to inform members of minority groups of housing opportunities available in areas of majority white concentration and make similar efforts to inform the majority white population of available housing opportunities located in areas of minority concentration. This paragraph is applicable to home rule units as well as non-home rule units.

Pursuant to Article VII, Section 6, paragraph (i) of the Illinois Constitution, this amendatory Act of 1981 is a limitation of the power of home rule units.

(Source: P.A. 96-1319, eff. 7-27-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-109) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-109)

Sec. 7-109. Federal Departments and Agencies) (A) Utilization of Department Facilities and Employees. The Department in its discretion and for the purpose of carrying out its functions, may permit the utilization of its facilities and employees by federal departments and agencies in the investigation of charges over which the Department has jurisdiction. The Department shall be authorized to be reimbursed by the federal government for the reasonable value of such services rendered.

(B) Cooperative Undertakings. In order to effect cooperative undertakings in the reduction of unlawful discrimination, the Department has the power and authority for and on behalf of the state to make contractual agreements, within the scope and authority of this Act, with any agency of the federal government, and such agreements may include provisions under which the federal department or agency shall refrain from processing a charge in Illinois in any cases or class of cases specified in these agreements.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-109.1) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-109.1)

Sec. 7-109.1. Federal or State Court Proceedings. The Department may administratively close a charge pending before the Department if the issues which are the basis of the charge are being litigated in a State or federal court proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 86-1343.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-110) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-110)

Sec. 7-110. Attorney General) When authorized by this Act to take part in a judicial proceeding in any court in this state, the Department shall proceed only through the Attorney General of Illinois or with the Attorney General's approval.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-111) (from Ch. 68, par. 7-111)

Sec. 7-111. Public Grants; Private Gifts) The Department is authorized to accept public grants and private gifts and bequests so long as the conditions of the grant, gift or bequest are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-112)

Sec. 7-112. Automated Processing of Charges and Complaints. On or before December 31, 1996, the Department and the Commission shall jointly prepare an electronic data processing and telecommunications plan for the purpose of automating the processing of charges and complaints.

(Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-112.5)

Sec. 7-112.5. Training tuition. The Department is authorized to charge tuition to non-governmental entities, other than not for profit groups or organizations in Illinois that have no more than 50 employees, for training offered by the Department's Institute for Training and Development. The tuition shall be paid into the Department of Human Rights Training and Development Fund, a special fund that is created in the State treasury. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to: (i) enhance the quality of the Department's training services; (ii) make training available at no cost to not for profit groups or organizations in Illinois that have no more than 50 employees, Department employees, other State agencies and instrumentalities of the State, and community organizations; and (iii) make training available to any other non-governmental entities on a tuition basis.

(Source: P.A. 96-548, eff. 1-1-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/7-113)

Sec. 7-113. Employer report form; registration fee. When a person files an "Employer Report Form" (PC-1) with the Department as specified in subsection (J) of Section 2-101 to establish eligibility to be awarded a contract by a State agency, the person must pay a $75 registration fee. A person must also pay a $75 registration fee when the person files for renewal of eligibility. These fees shall be paid into the Department of Human Rights Special Fund, a special fund that is created in the State treasury. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Fund is not subject to administrative charges or charge-backs. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely to fund the Department's public contract compliance monitoring program and other Department programs and activities.

(Source: P.A. 96-786, eff. 1-1-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 7A heading) ARTICLE 7A. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS; PROCEDURES UNDER ARTICLES 2, 4, 5, 5A and 6

(775 ILCS 5/7A-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 7A-101)

Sec. 7A-101. The procedures specified in this Article shall apply solely to Articles 2, 4, 5, 5A and 6.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/7A-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 7A-102)

Sec. 7A-102. Procedures.

(A) Charge.

(1) Within 180 days after the date that a civil rights violation allegedly has been committed, a charge in writing under oath or affirmation may be filed with the Department by an aggrieved party or issued by the Department itself under the signature of the Director.

(2) The charge shall be in such detail as to substantially apprise any party properly concerned as to the time, place, and facts surrounding the alleged civil rights violation.

(3) Charges deemed filed with the Department pursuant to subsection (A-1) of this Section shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subsection.

(A-1) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Charges.

(1) If a charge is filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days after the date of the alleged civil rights violation, the charge shall be deemed filed with the Department on the date filed with the EEOC. If the EEOC is the governmental agency designated to investigate the charge first, the Department shall take no action until the EEOC makes a determination on the charge and after the complainant notifies the Department of the EEOC's determination. In such cases, after receiving notice from the EEOC that a charge was filed, the Department shall notify the parties that (i) a charge has been received by the EEOC and has been sent to the Department for dual filing purposes; (ii) the EEOC is the governmental agency responsible for investigating the charge and that the investigation shall be conducted pursuant to the rules and procedures adopted by the EEOC; (iii) it will take no action on the charge until the EEOC issues its determination; (iv) the complainant must submit a copy of the EEOC's determination within 30 days after service of the determination by the EEOC on complainant; and (v) that the time period to investigate the charge contained in subsection (G) of this Section is tolled from the date on which the charge is filed with the EEOC until the EEOC issues its determination.

(2) If the EEOC finds reasonable cause to believe that there has been a violation of federal law and if the Department is timely notified of the EEOC's findings by complainant, the Department shall notify complainant that the Department has adopted the EEOC's determination of reasonable cause and that complainant has the right, within 90 days after receipt of the Department's notice, to either file his or her own complaint with the Illinois Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court or other appropriate court of competent jurisdiction. The Department's notice to complainant that the Department has adopted the EEOC's determination of reasonable cause shall constitute the Department's Report for purposes of subparagraph (D) of this Section.

(3) For those charges alleging violations within the jurisdiction of both the EEOC and the Department and for which the EEOC either (i) does not issue a determination, but does issue the complainant a notice of a right to sue, including when the right to sue is issued at the request of the complainant, or (ii) determines that it is unable to establish that illegal discrimination has occurred and issues the complainant a right to sue notice, and if the Department is timely notified of the EEOC's determination by complainant, the Department shall notify the parties that the Department will adopt the EEOC's determination as a dismissal for lack of substantial evidence unless the complainant requests in writing within 35 days after receipt of the Department's notice that the Department review the EEOC's determination.

(a) If the complainant does not file a written request with the Department to review the EEOC's determination within 35 days after receipt of the Department's notice, the Department shall notify complainant that the decision of the EEOC has been adopted by the Department as a dismissal for lack of substantial evidence and that the complainant has the right, within 90 days after receipt of the Department's notice, to commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court or other appropriate court of competent jurisdiction. The Department's notice to complainant that the Department has adopted the EEOC's determination shall constitute the Department's report for purposes of subparagraph (D) of this Section.

(b) If the complainant does file a written request with the Department to review the EEOC's determination, the Department shall review the EEOC's determination and any evidence obtained by the EEOC during its investigation. If, after reviewing the EEOC's determination and any evidence obtained by the EEOC, the Department determines there is no need for further investigation of the charge, the Department shall issue a report and the Director shall determine whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights violation has been committed pursuant to subsection (D) of Section 7A-102. If, after reviewing the EEOC's determination and any evidence obtained by the EEOC, the Department determines there is a need for further investigation of the charge, the Department may conduct any further investigation it deems necessary. After reviewing the EEOC's determination, the evidence obtained by the EEOC, and any additional investigation conducted by the Department, the Department shall issue a report and the Director shall determine whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights violation has been committed pursuant to subsection (D) of Section 7A-102 of this Act.

(4) Pursuant to this Section, if the EEOC dismisses the charge or a portion of the charge of discrimination because, under federal law, the EEOC lacks jurisdiction over the charge, and if, under this Act, the Department has jurisdiction over the charge of discrimination, the Department shall investigate the charge or portion of the charge dismissed by the EEOC for lack of jurisdiction pursuant to subsections (A), (A-1), (B), (B-1), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), and (K) of Section 7A-102 of this Act.

(5) The time limit set out in subsection (G) of this Section is tolled from the date on which the charge is filed with the EEOC to the date on which the EEOC issues its determination.

(B) Notice and Response to Charge. The Department shall, within 10 days of the date on which the charge was filed, serve a copy of the charge on the respondent. This period shall not be construed to be jurisdictional. The charging party and the respondent may each file a position statement and other materials with the Department regarding the charge of alleged discrimination within 60 days of receipt of the notice of the charge. The position statements and other materials filed shall remain confidential unless otherwise agreed to by the party providing the information and shall not be served on or made available to the other party during pendency of a charge with the Department. The Department shall require the respondent to file a verified response to the allegations contained in the charge within 60 days of receipt of the notice of the charge. The respondent shall serve a copy of its response on the complainant or his representative. All allegations contained in the charge not timely denied by the respondent shall be deemed admitted, unless the respondent states that it is without sufficient information to form a belief with respect to such allegation. The Department may issue a notice of default directed to any respondent who fails to file a verified response to a charge within 60 days of receipt of the notice of the charge, unless the respondent can demonstrate good cause as to why such notice should not issue. The term "good cause" shall be defined by rule promulgated by the Department. Within 30 days of receipt of the respondent's response, the complainant may file a reply to said response and shall serve a copy of said reply on the respondent or his representative. A party shall have the right to supplement his response or reply at any time that the investigation of the charge is pending. The Department shall, within 10 days of the date on which the charge was filed, and again no later than 335 days thereafter, send by certified or registered mail written notice to the complainant and to the respondent informing the complainant of the complainant's right to either file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (G), including in such notice the dates within which the complainant may exercise this right. In the notice the Department shall notify the complainant that the charge of civil rights violation will be dismissed with prejudice and with no right to further proceed if a written complaint is not timely filed with the Commission or with the appropriate circuit court by the complainant pursuant to subparagraph (2) of paragraph (G) or by the Department pursuant to subparagraph (1) of paragraph (G).

(B-1) Mediation. The complainant and respondent may agree to voluntarily submit the charge to mediation without waiving any rights that are otherwise available to either party pursuant to this Act and without incurring any obligation to accept the result of the mediation process. Nothing occurring in mediation shall be disclosed by the Department or admissible in evidence in any subsequent proceeding unless the complainant and the respondent agree in writing that such disclosure be made.

(C) Investigation.

(1) After the respondent has been notified, the Department shall conduct a full investigation of the allegations set forth in the charge.

(2) The Director or his or her designated representatives shall have authority to request any member of the Commission to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of a witness or the production for examination of any books, records or documents whatsoever.

(3) If any witness whose testimony is required for any investigation resides outside the State, or through illness or any other good cause as determined by the Director is unable to be interviewed by the investigator or appear at a fact finding conference, his or her testimony or deposition may be taken, within or without the State, in the same manner as is provided for in the taking of depositions in civil cases in circuit courts.

(4) Upon reasonable notice to the complainant and the respondent, the Department shall conduct a fact finding conference, unless prior to 365 days after the date on which the charge was filed the Director has determined whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights violation has been committed, the charge has been dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, or the parties voluntarily and in writing agree to waive the fact finding conference. Any party's failure to attend the conference without good cause shall result in dismissal or default. The term "good cause" shall be defined by rule promulgated by the Department. A notice of dismissal or default shall be issued by the Director. The notice of default issued by the Director shall notify the respondent that a request for review may be filed in writing with the Commission within 30 days of receipt of notice of default. The notice of dismissal issued by the Director shall give the complainant notice of his or her right to seek review of the dismissal before the Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court. If the complainant chooses to have the Human Rights Commission review the dismissal order, he or she shall file a request for review with the Commission within 90 days after receipt of the Director's notice. If the complainant chooses to file a request for review with the Commission, he or she may not later commence a civil action in a circuit court. If the complainant chooses to commence a civil action in a circuit court, he or she must do so within 90 days after receipt of the Director's notice.

(D) Report.

(1) Each charge shall be the subject of a report to the Director. The report shall be a confidential document subject to review by the Director, authorized Department employees, the parties, and, where indicated by this Act, members of the Commission or their designated hearing officers.

(2) Upon review of the report, the Director shall determine whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights violation has been committed. The determination of substantial evidence is limited to determining the need for further consideration of the charge pursuant to this Act and includes, but is not limited to, findings of fact and conclusions, as well as the reasons for the determinations on all material issues. Substantial evidence is evidence which a reasonable mind accepts as sufficient to support a particular conclusion and which consists of more than a mere scintilla but may be somewhat less than a preponderance.

(3) If the Director determines that there is no substantial evidence, the charge shall be dismissed by order of the Director and the Director shall give the complainant notice of his or her right to seek review of the dismissal order before the Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court. If the complainant chooses to have the Human Rights Commission review the dismissal order, he or she shall file a request for review with the Commission within 90 days after receipt of the Director's notice. If the complainant chooses to file a request for review with the Commission, he or she may not later commence a civil action in a circuit court. If the complainant chooses to commence a civil action in a circuit court, he or she must do so within 90 days after receipt of the Director's notice.

(4) If the Director determines that there is substantial evidence, he or she shall notify the complainant and respondent of that determination. The Director shall also notify the parties that the complainant has the right to either commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court or request that the Department of Human Rights file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on his or her behalf. Any such complaint shall be filed within 90 days after receipt of the Director's notice. If the complainant chooses to have the Department file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on his or her behalf, the complainant must, within 30 days after receipt of the Director's notice, request in writing that the Department file the complaint. If the complainant timely requests that the Department file the complaint, the Department shall file the complaint on his or her behalf. If the complainant fails to timely request that the Department file the complaint, the complainant may file his or her complaint with the Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court. If the complainant files a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, the complainant shall give notice to the Department of the filing of the complaint with the Human Rights Commission.

(E) Conciliation.

(1) When there is a finding of substantial evidence, the Department may designate a Department employee who is an attorney licensed to practice in Illinois to endeavor to eliminate the effect of the alleged civil rights violation and to prevent its repetition by means of conference and conciliation.

(2) When the Department determines that a formal conciliation conference is necessary, the complainant and respondent shall be notified of the time and place of the conference by registered or certified mail at least 10 days prior thereto and either or both parties shall appear at the conference in person or by attorney.

(3) The place fixed for the conference shall be within 35 miles of the place where the civil rights violation is alleged to have been committed.

(4) Nothing occurring at the conference shall be disclosed by the Department unless the complainant and respondent agree in writing that such disclosure be made.

(5) The Department's efforts to conciliate the matter shall not stay or extend the time for filing the complaint with the Commission or the circuit court.

(F) Complaint.

(1) When the complainant requests that the Department file a complaint with the Commission on his or her behalf, the Department shall prepare a written complaint, under oath or affirmation, stating the nature of the civil rights violation substantially as alleged in the charge previously filed and the relief sought on behalf of the aggrieved party. The Department shall file the complaint with the Commission.

(2) If the complainant chooses to commence a civil action in a circuit court, he or she must do so in the circuit court in the county wherein the civil rights violation was allegedly committed. The form of the complaint in any such civil action shall be in accordance with the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure.

(G) Time Limit.

(1) When a charge of a civil rights violation has been properly filed, the Department, within 365 days thereof or within any extension of that period agreed to in writing by all parties, shall issue its report as required by subparagraph (D). Any such report shall be duly served upon both the complainant and the respondent.

(2) If the Department has not issued its report within 365 days after the charge is filed, or any such longer period agreed to in writing by all the parties, the complainant shall have 90 days to either file his or her own complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court. If the complainant files a complaint with the Commission, the form of the complaint shall be in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (F)(1). If the complainant commences a civil action in a circuit court, the form of the complaint shall be in accordance with the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. The aggrieved party shall notify the Department that a complaint has been filed and shall serve a copy of the complaint on the Department on the same date that the complaint is filed with the Commission or in circuit court. If the complainant files a complaint with the Commission, he or she may not later commence a civil action in circuit court.

(3) If an aggrieved party files a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commences a civil action in circuit court pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, or if the time period for filing a complaint has expired, the Department shall immediately cease its investigation and dismiss the charge of civil rights violation. Any final order entered by the Commission under this Section is appealable in accordance with paragraph (B)(1) of Section 8-111. Failure to immediately cease an investigation and dismiss the charge of civil rights violation as provided in this paragraph (3) constitutes grounds for entry of an order by the circuit court permanently enjoining the investigation. The Department may also be liable for any costs and other damages incurred by the respondent as a result of the action of the Department.

(4) The Department shall stay any administrative proceedings under this Section after the filing of a civil action by or on behalf of the aggrieved party under any federal or State law seeking relief with respect to the alleged civil rights violation.

(H) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(I) This amendatory Act of 1996 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(J) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 95-243 apply to charges filed on or after the effective date of those changes.

(K) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 96-876, eff. 2-2-10; 97-22, eff. 1-1-12; 97-596, eff. 8-26-11; 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(775 ILCS 5/7A-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 7A-103)

Sec. 7A-103. Settlement.

(A) Circumstances. A settlement of any charge prior to the filing of a complaint may be effectuated at any time upon agreement of the parties and the approval of the Department. A settlement of any charge after the filing of a complaint shall be effectuated as specified in Section 8-105(A)(2) of this Act.

(B) Form. Settlements of charges prior to the filing of complaints shall be reduced to writing by the Department, signed by the parties, and submitted by the Department to the Commission for approval. Settlements of charges after the filing of complaints shall be effectuated as specified in Section 8-105(A)(2) of this Act.

(C) Violation.

(1) When either party alleges that a settlement order has been violated, the Department shall conduct an investigation into the matter.

(2) Upon finding substantial evidence to demonstrate that a settlement has been violated, the Department shall file notice of a settlement order violation with the Commission and serve all parties.

(D) Dismissal For Refusal To Accept Settlement Offer. The Department shall dismiss a charge if it is satisfied that:

(1) the respondent has eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation charged and taken steps to prevent its repetition; or

(2) the respondent offers and the complainant declines to accept terms of settlement which the Department finds are sufficient to eliminate the effects of the civil rights violation charged and prevent its repetition.

When the Department dismisses a charge under this Section it shall notify the complainant that he or she may seek review of the dismissal order before the Commission. The complainant shall have 30 days from receipt of notice to file a request for review by the Commission.

In determining whether the respondent has eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation charged, or has offered terms of settlement sufficient to eliminate same, the Department shall consider the extent to which the respondent has either fully provided, or reasonably offered by way of terms of settlement, as the case may be, the relevant relief available to the complainant under Section 8-108 of this Act.

(E) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(F) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 95-243, eff. 1-1-08.)

(775 ILCS 5/7A-104) (from Ch. 68, par. 7A-104)

Sec. 7A-104. Judicial Proceedings. (A) Temporary Relief. (1) At any time after a charge is filed, the Department or complainant may petition the appropriate court for temporary relief, pending final determination of the proceedings under this Act, including an order or judgment restraining the respondent from doing or causing any act which would render ineffectual an order which the Commission may enter with respect to the complainant. Whether it is brought by the Department or by the complainant, the petition shall contain a certification by the Director that the particular matter presents exceptional circumstances in which irreparable injury will result from a civil rights violation in the absence of temporary relief.

(2) The petition shall be filed in the circuit court for the county in which the respondent resides or transacts business or in which the alleged violation took place, and the proceedings shall be governed by Part I of Article XI of the "Code of Civil Procedure", as amended. Except as provided in subsection (A) (3), the court may grant temporary relief or a temporary restraining order as it deems just and proper.

(3) When the petition is based upon a civil rights violation as defined in Article 3 of this Act, the relief or restraining order entered by the court shall not exceed 5 days unless:

(a) A longer period is agreed to by the respondent; or

(b) The court finds that there is substantial evidence to demonstrate that the respondent has engaged in unlawful discrimination.

(B) Expedited Proceedings. (1) A complainant or the Department at the request of the complainant may at any time petition the circuit court for expedited proceedings. Except as to causes the circuit court considers to be of greater importance, consideration of petitions for expedited proceedings under this subsection shall take precedence on the docket over all other causes and be assigned for hearing at the earliest practicable date and expedited in every way.

(2) Venue for a petition filed under this subsection shall lie in the county where the respondent resides or is found or where the alleged violation was committed.

(3) Any petition filed by the complainant shall name the Department, Commission and the respondent. Any petition filed by the Department, upon request of the complainant, shall name the Commission and the respondent.

(4) If the circuit court determines that the complainant is likely to die before the termination of the proceedings under this Act, it may order the proceedings expedited. When an order for expedited proceedings is issued, the processing of the complainant's charge by the Department and Commission shall take precedence over all matters except older matters of the same character. Where such order is issued, the Department, the Commission, any panel of the Commission, or any Commission hearing officer shall be authorized to shorten any time period, other than the 180 day charge filing period set by this Act or by rule. If such an order is issued and the complainant is before the Department, the Department shall immediately appoint an investigator if an investigator has not been appointed and shall in 90 days either file a complaint or order that no complaint be issued. If the Department fails to make a determination within 90 days the complainant shall have 30 days to file his complaint with the Commission.

(C) Enforcement of Commission Orders. When authorized by this Act, the Department, at the request of the Commission, may take whatever action may be authorized for the enforcement of Commission orders.

(Source: P.A. 86-910; 86-1028.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 7B heading) ARTICLE 7B. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS; PROCEDURES UNDER ARTICLE 3

(775 ILCS 5/7B-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 7B-101)

Sec. 7B-101. The procedures specified in this Article shall apply solely to Article 3.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/7B-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 7B-102)

Sec. 7B-102. Procedures.

(A) Charge.

(1) Within one year after the date that a civil rights violation allegedly has been committed or terminated, a charge in writing under oath or affirmation may be filed with the Department by an aggrieved party or issued by the Department itself under the signature of the Director.

(2) The charge shall be in such detail as to substantially apprise any party properly concerned as to the time, place, and facts surrounding the alleged civil rights violation.

(B) Notice and Response to Charge.

(1) The Department shall serve notice upon the aggrieved party acknowledging such charge and advising the aggrieved party of the time limits and choice of forums provided under this Act. The Department shall, within 10 days of the date on which the charge was filed or the identification of an additional respondent under paragraph (2) of this subsection, serve on the respondent a copy of the charge along with a notice identifying the alleged civil rights violation and advising the respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this Act and shall require the respondent to file a verified response to the allegations contained in the charge within 30 days. The respondent shall serve a copy of its response on the complainant or his representative. All allegations contained in the charge not timely denied by the respondent shall be deemed admitted, unless the respondent states that it is without sufficient information to form a belief with respect to such allegation. The Department may issue a notice of default directed to any respondent who fails to file a verified response to a charge within 30 days of the date on which the charge was filed, unless the respondent can demonstrate good cause as to why such notice should not issue. The term "good cause" shall be defined by rule promulgated by the Department. Within 10 days of the date he receives the respondent's response, the complainant may file his reply to said response. If he chooses to file a reply, the complainant shall serve a copy of said reply on the respondent or his representative. A party shall have the right to supplement his response or reply at any time that the investigation of the charge is pending.

(2) A person who is not named as a respondent in a charge, but who is identified as a respondent in the course of investigation, may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent upon written notice, under subsection (B), to such person, from the Department. Such notice, in addition to meeting the requirements of subsections (A) and (B), shall explain the basis for the Department's belief that a person to whom the notice is addressed is properly joined as a respondent.

(C) Investigation.

(1) The Department shall conduct a full investigation of the allegations set forth in the charge and complete such investigation within 100 days after the filing of the charge, unless it is impracticable to do so. The Department's failure to complete the investigation within 100 days after the proper filing of the charge does not deprive the Department of jurisdiction over the charge.

(2) If the Department is unable to complete the investigation within 100 days after the charge is filed, the Department shall notify the complainant and respondent in writing of the reasons for not doing so.

(3) The Director or his or her designated representative shall have authority to request any member of the Commission to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of a witness or the production for examination of any books, records or documents whatsoever.

(4) If any witness whose testimony is required for any investigation resides outside the State, or through illness or any other good cause as determined by the Director is unable to be interviewed by the investigator or appear at a fact finding conference, his or her testimony or deposition may be taken, within or without the State, in the same manner as provided for in the taking of depositions in civil cases in circuit courts.

(5) Upon reasonable notice to the complainant and the respondent, the Department shall conduct a fact finding conference, unless prior to 100 days from the date on which the charge was filed, the Director has determined whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights violation has been committed or the parties voluntarily and in writing agree to waive the fact finding conference. A party's failure to attend the conference without good cause may result in dismissal or default. A notice of dismissal or default shall be issued by the Director and shall notify the relevant party that a request for review may be filed in writing with the Commission within 30 days of receipt of notice of dismissal or default.

(D) Report.

(1) Each investigated charge shall be the subject of a report to the Director. The report shall be a confidential document subject to review by the Director, authorized Department employees, the parties, and, where indicated by this Act, members of the Commission or their designated hearing officers.

The report shall contain:

(a) the names and dates of contacts with witnesses;

(b) a summary and the date of correspondence and other contacts with the aggrieved party and the respondent;

(c) a summary description of other pertinent records;

(d) a summary of witness statements; and

(e) answers to questionnaires.

A final report under this paragraph may be amended if additional evidence is later discovered.

(2) Upon review of the report and within 100 days of the filing of the charge, unless it is impracticable to do so, the Director shall determine whether there is substantial evidence that the alleged civil rights violation has been committed or is about to be committed. If the Director is unable to make the determination within 100 days after the filing of the charge, the Director shall notify the complainant and respondent in writing of the reasons for not doing so. The Director's failure to make the determination within 100 days after the proper filing of the charge does not deprive the Department of jurisdiction over the charge.

(a) If the Director determines that there is no substantial evidence, the charge shall be dismissed and the aggrieved party notified that he or she may seek review of the dismissal order before the Commission. The aggrieved party shall have 90 days from receipt of notice to file a request for review by the Commission. The Director shall make public disclosure of each such dismissal.

(b) If the Director determines that there is substantial evidence, he or she shall immediately issue a complaint on behalf of the aggrieved party pursuant to subsection (F).

(E) Conciliation.

(1) During the period beginning with the filing of charge and ending with the filing of a complaint or a dismissal by the Department, the Department shall, to the extent feasible, engage in conciliation with respect to such charge.

When the Department determines that a formal conciliation conference is feasible, the aggrieved party and respondent shall be notified of the time and place of the conference by registered or certified mail at least 7 days prior thereto and either or both parties shall appear at the conference in person or by attorney.

(2) The place fixed for the conference shall be within 35 miles of the place where the civil rights violation is alleged to have been committed.

(3) Nothing occurring at the conference shall be made public or used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding for the purpose of proving a violation under this Act unless the complainant and respondent agree in writing that such disclosure be made.

(4) A conciliation agreement arising out of such conciliation shall be an agreement between the respondent and the complainant, and shall be subject to approval by the Department and Commission.

(5) A conciliation agreement may provide for binding arbitration of the dispute arising from the charge. Any such arbitration that results from a conciliation agreement may award appropriate relief, including monetary relief.

(6) Each conciliation agreement shall be made public unless the complainant and respondent otherwise agree and the Department determines that disclosure is not required to further the purpose of this Act.

(F) Complaint.

(1) When there is a failure to settle or adjust any charge through a conciliation conference and the charge is not dismissed, the Department shall prepare a written complaint, under oath or affirmation, stating the nature of the civil rights violation and the relief sought on behalf of the aggrieved party. Such complaint shall be based on the final investigation report and need not be limited to the facts or grounds alleged in the charge filed under subsection (A).

(2) The complaint shall be filed with the Commission.

(3) The Department may not issue a complaint under this Section regarding an alleged civil rights violation after the beginning of the trial of a civil action commenced by the aggrieved party under any State or federal law, seeking relief with respect to that alleged civil rights violation.

(G) Time Limit.

(1) When a charge of a civil rights violation has been properly filed, the Department, within 100 days thereof, unless it is impracticable to do so, shall either issue and file a complaint in the manner and form set forth in this Section or shall order that no complaint be issued. Any such order shall be duly served upon both the aggrieved party and the respondent. The Department's failure to either issue and file a complaint or order that no complaint be issued within 100 days after the proper filing of the charge does not deprive the Department of jurisdiction over the charge.

(2) The Director shall make available to the aggrieved party and the respondent, at any time, upon request following completion of the Department's investigation, information derived from an investigation and any final investigative report relating to that investigation.

(H) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(I) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 95-243 apply to charges filed on or after the effective date of those changes.

(J) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 96-876, eff. 2-2-10; 97-22, eff. 1-1-12.)

(775 ILCS 5/7B-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 7B-103)

Sec. 7B-103. Settlement.

(A) Circumstances. A settlement of any charge prior to the filing of a complaint may be effectuated at any time upon agreement of the parties and the approval of the Department. A settlement of any charge after the filing of complaint shall be effectuated as specified in Section 8-105(A)(2) of this Act.

(B) Form. Settlements of charges prior to the filing of complaints shall be reduced to writing by the Department, signed by the parties, and submitted by the Department to the Commission for approval. Settlements of charges after the filing of complaints shall be effectuated as specified in Section 8-105(A)(2) of this Act.

(C) Violation.

(1) When either party alleges that a settlement order has been violated, the Department shall conduct an investigation into the matter.

(2) Upon finding substantial evidence to demonstrate that a settlement has been violated, the Department shall refer the matter to the Attorney General for enforcement in the circuit court in which the respondent or complainant resides or transacts business or in which the alleged violation took place.

(D) Dismissal For Refusal To Accept Settlement Offer. The Department may dismiss a charge if it is satisfied that:

(1) the respondent has eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation charged and taken steps to prevent its repetition; or

(2) the respondent offers and the aggrieved party declines to accept terms of settlement which the Department finds are sufficient to eliminate the effects of the civil rights violation charged and prevent its repetition.

(3) When the Department dismisses a charge under this Section it shall notify the complainant that he or she may seek review of the dismissal order before the Commission. The aggrieved party shall have 30 days from receipt of notice to file a request for review by the Commission.

(4) In determining whether the respondent has eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation charged, or has offered terms of settlement sufficient to eliminate same, the Department shall consider the extent to which the respondent has either fully provided, or reasonably offered by way of terms of settlement, as the case may be, the relevant relief available to the aggrieved party under Section 8B-104 of this Act with the exception of civil penalties.

(E) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(F) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly apply to charges filed on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 95-243, eff. 1-1-08.)

(775 ILCS 5/7B-104) (from Ch. 68, par. 7B-104)

Sec. 7B-104. Judicial Proceedings. (A) Temporary Relief. (1) At any time after a charge is filed, the Department or aggrieved party may petition the appropriate court for temporary relief, pending final determination of the proceedings under this Act, including an order or judgment restraining the respondent from doing or causing any act which would render ineffectual an order which the Commission may enter with respect to the aggrieved party. Whether it is brought by the Department or by the aggrieved party, the petition shall contain a certification by the Director that the particular matter presents exceptional circumstances in which irreparable injury will result from a civil rights violation in the absence of temporary relief. The filing of a petition under this paragraph does not affect the initiation or continuation of administrative proceedings under Section 7A-102 and Section 8A-102 of this Act.

(2) The petition shall be filed in the circuit court for the county in which the respondent resides or transacts business or in which the alleged violation took place, and the proceedings shall be governed by Part 1 of Article XI of the "Code of Civil Procedure", as amended. Except as provided in subsection (A) (3), the court may grant temporary relief or a temporary restraining order as it deems just and proper.

(3) When the petition is based upon a civil rights violation as defined in Article 3 of this Act, the duration of the relief or restraining order entered by the court shall not exceed 5 days unless:

(a) A longer period is agreed to by the respondent; or

(b) The court finds that there is substantial evidence to demonstrate that the respondent has engaged in unlawful discrimination.

(B) Enforcement of Commission Orders. When authorized by this Act, the Department, at the request of the Commission, may take whatever action may be authorized for the enforcement of Commission orders.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 8 heading) ARTICLE 8. ILLINOIS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

(775 ILCS 5/8-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-101)

Sec. 8-101. Illinois Human Rights Commission) (A) Creation; Appointments. The Human Rights Commission is created to consist of 13 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. No more than 7 members shall be of the same political party. The Governor shall designate one member as chairperson. All appointments shall be in writing and filed with the Secretary of State as a public record.

(B) Terms. Of the members first appointed, 4 shall be appointed for a term to expire on the third Monday of January, 1981, and 5 (including the Chairperson) shall be appointed for a term to expire on the third Monday of January, 1983.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Section to the contrary, the term of office of each member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission is abolished on July 29, 1985, but the incumbent members shall continue to exercise all of the powers and be subject to all of the duties of members of the Commission until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. Subject to the provisions of subsection (A), of the 9 members appointed under Public Act 84-115, effective July 29, 1985, 5 members shall be appointed for terms to expire on the third Monday of January, 1987, and 4 members shall be appointed for terms to expire on the third Monday of January, 1989; and of the 4 additional members appointed under Public Act 84-1084, effective December 2, 1985, two shall be appointed for a term to expire on the third Monday of January, 1987, and two members shall be appointed for a term to expire on the third Monday of January, 1989.

Thereafter, each member shall serve for a term of 4 years and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified; except that any member chosen to fill a vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the member whom he or she shall succeed and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

(C) Vacancies. (1) In the case of vacancies on the Commission during a recess of the Senate, the Governor shall make a temporary appointment until the next meeting of the Senate when he or she shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy. Any person so nominated and confirmed by the Senate shall hold office for the remainder of the term and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

(2) If the Senate is not in session at the time this Act takes effect, the Governor shall make temporary appointments to the Commission as in the case of vacancies.

(3) Vacancies in the Commission shall not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the Commission. Except when authorized by this Act to proceed through a 3 member panel, a majority of the members of the Commission then in office shall constitute a quorum.

(D) Compensation. The Chairperson of the Commission shall be compensated at the rate of $22,500 per year, or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater, during his or her service as Chairperson, and each other member shall be compensated at the rate of $20,000 per year, or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. In addition, all members of the Commission shall be reimbursed for expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.

(Source: P.A. 84-1308.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-102)

Sec. 8-102. Powers and Duties. In addition to the other powers and duties prescribed in this Act, the Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(A) Meetings. To meet and function at any place within the State.

(B) Offices. To establish and maintain offices in Springfield and Chicago.

(C) Employees. To select and fix the compensation of such technical advisors and employees as it may deem necessary pursuant to the provisions of "The Personnel Code".

(D) Hearing Officers. To select and fix the compensation of hearing officers who shall be attorneys duly licensed to practice law in this State and full time employees of the Commission.

A formal and unbiased training program for hearing officers shall be implemented. The training program shall include the following:

(1) substantive and procedural aspects of the hearing officer position;

(2) current issues in human rights law and practice;

(3) lectures by specialists in substantive areas related to human rights matters;

(4) orientation to each operational unit of the Department and Commission;

(5) observation of experienced hearing officers conducting hearings of cases, combined with the opportunity to discuss evidence presented and rulings made;

(6) the use of hypothetical cases requiring the hearing officer to issue judgments as a means to evaluating knowledge and writing ability;

(7) writing skills;

(8) computer skills, including but not limited to word processing and document management.

A formal, unbiased and ongoing professional development program including, but not limited to, the above-noted areas shall be implemented to keep hearing officers informed of recent developments and issues and to assist them in maintaining and enhancing their professional competence.

(E) Rules and Regulations. To adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(F) Compulsory Process. To issue and authorize requests for enforcement of subpoenas and other compulsory process established by this Act.

(G) Decisions. Through a panel of three members designated by the Chairperson on a random basis, to hear and decide by majority vote complaints filed in conformity with this Act and to approve proposed settlements.

(H) Rehearings. To order, by a vote of 6 members, rehearing of its decisions by the entire Commission in conformity with this Act.

(I) Judicial Enforcement. To authorize requests for judicial enforcement of its orders in conformity with this Act.

(J) Opinions. To publish its decisions in timely fashion to assure a consistent source of precedent.

(K) Public Grants; Private Gifts. To accept public grants and private gifts as may be authorized.

(L) Interpreters. To appoint at the expense of the Commission a qualified sign language interpreter whenever a hearing impaired person is a party or witness at a public hearing.

(M) Automated Processing Plan. To prepare an electronic data processing and telecommunications plan jointly with the Department in accordance with Section 7-112.

(N) The provisions of this amendatory Act of 1995 amending subsection (G) of this Section apply to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-103)

Sec. 8-103. Request for Review.

(A) Jurisdiction. The Commission, through a panel of three members, shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine requests for review of (1) decisions of the Department to dismiss a charge; and (2) notices of default issued by the Department.

In each instance, the Department shall be the respondent.

(B) Review. When a request for review is properly filed, the Commission may consider the Department's report, any argument and supplemental evidence timely submitted, and the results of any additional investigation conducted by the Department in response to the request. In its discretion, the Commission may designate a hearing officer to conduct a hearing into the factual basis of the matter at issue.

(C) Default Order. When a respondent fails to file a timely request for review of a notice of default, or the default is sustained on review, the Commission shall enter a default order and notify the parties that the complainant has the right to either commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court to determine the complainant's damages or request that the Commission set a hearing on damages before one of its hearing officers. The complainant shall have 90 days after receipt of the Commission's default order to either commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court or request that the Commission set a hearing on damages.

(D) Time Period Toll. Proceedings on requests for review shall toll the time limitation established in paragraph (G) of Section 7A-102 from the date on which the Department's notice of dismissal or default is issued to the date on which the Commission's order is entered.

(E) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 95-243 apply to charges or complaints filed with the Department or Commission on or after the effective date of those changes.

(F) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly apply to charges or complaints filed with the Department or Commission on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 95-243, eff. 1-1-08; 96-876, eff. 2-2-10.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-104) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-104)

Sec. 8-104. Compulsory Process.

(A) Subpoenas. Any member of the Commission may issue a subpoena:

(1) At the request of the Department to facilitate its investigation; or

(2) At the request of a party to a proceeding which is the subject of a complaint pending before the Commission.

(B) Form. The subpoena shall be on a form prescribed by the Commission in its rules and regulations, and a copy of the subpoena shall be served upon all parties of record by the party requesting the subpoena.

(C) Content. A subpoena may be issued when necessary to compel the attendance of a witness or to require the production for examination of any relevant books, records or documents whatsoever.

(D) Contests.

(1) On motion of the person to whom the subpoena is directed or a party, and for good cause shown the Commission or the hearing officer presiding in the case may quash or modify any subpoena;

(2) In the case of a subpoena duces tecum issued and served at the request of the Department, the Commission or the hearing officer presiding in the case shall upon request order the Department to pay the reasonable expense of producing or providing any item specified in the subpoena.

(E) Enforcement.

(1) When anyone fails or refuses to obey a subpoena, the Commission, through a panel of 3 members, shall authorize Commission staff to prepare and file a petition for enforcement in the circuit court of the county in which the person to whom the subpoena was directed resides or has his or her principal place of business.

(2) Not less than five days before the petition is filed in the appropriate court, it shall be served on the person along with a notice of the time and place the petition is to be presented.

(3) Following a hearing on the petition, the circuit courts shall have jurisdiction to enforce subpoenas issued pursuant to this Section.

(F) Witnesses.

(1) If any witness whose testimony is required for hearing resides outside the state, or through illness or any other good cause as determined by the hearing officer is unable to testify at the hearing, his or her testimony or deposition may be taken, within or without the State, in the same manner as is provided for in the taking of depositions in civil cases in circuit courts.

(2) Witnesses subject to subpoena shall be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses in the circuit courts of this state, and witnesses whose depositions are taken or the person taking them shall be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the circuit courts of this State.

(G) Service of Process.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, complaints, orders and other process and proper papers shall be served in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission may from time to time prescribe. The verified return of the individual making service in accordance with this Section and setting forth the manner of such service shall constitute proof of service.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, any documents served upon any officer of a labor organization shall be sufficient to acquire jurisdiction against such labor organization, or labor union, or voluntary unincorporated union association, and all of its officers, members and representatives.

(Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-105) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-105)

Sec. 8-105. Settlement.

(A) Approval.

(1) When a proposed settlement is submitted by the Department, the Commission, through a panel of 3 members, shall determine whether to approve its terms and conditions.

(2) A settlement of any complaint and its underlying charge or charges may be effectuated at any time upon agreement of the parties, with or without the Commission's approval, and shall act as a full and final resolution of the matter. If the parties desire that the Commission retain jurisdiction over the matter for purposes of enforcing the terms of the settlement, the terms shall be reduced to writing, signed by the parties, and submitted to the Commission for approval. The Commission, through a panel of 3 members, shall determine whether to approve the settlement.

(3) Approval of the settlement shall be accomplished by an order, served on the parties and the Department, in accord with the written terms of the settlement.

(B) Violation. When the Department files notice of a settlement order violation, the Commission, through a panel of three members, may either order the Department to seek enforcement of the settlement order pursuant to paragraph (B) of Section 8-111 or remand for any type of hearing as it may deem necessary pursuant to paragraph (D) of Section 8A-103.

(C) Dismissal for Refusal to Accept Settlement Offer. The Commission shall dismiss a complaint and the underlying charge or charges of the complaint if the Commission is satisfied that:

1. the respondent has eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation charged and taken steps to prevent repetition of the violation; or

2. the respondent offers and the complainant declines to accept the terms of settlement that the Commission determines are sufficient to eliminate the effect of the civil rights violation charged and to prevent repetition of the violation.

In determining whether the respondent has eliminated the effects of the civil rights violation charged, or has offered terms of settlement sufficient to eliminate same, the Commission shall consider the extent to which the respondent has either fully provided, or reasonably offered by way of terms of settlement, as the case may be, the relevant relief available to the complainant under Section 8A-104 of this Act.

At any time after the service of a complaint pursuant to Section 8A-102 of this Act, and prior to service of a decision prepared pursuant to Section 8A-102(I), a respondent may move for a recommended order dismissing a complaint and the underlying charge or charges for complainant's refusal to accept terms of settlement that are sufficient to eliminate the effects of the civil rights violation charged in the complaint and to eliminate repetition of the violation. Respondent's motion and complainant's reply, if any, shall comply with the requirements for summary decision set forth in Section 8-106.1 of this Act.

(D) This amendatory Act of 1996 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-106.1) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-106.1)

Sec. 8-106.1. Summary Decision.

(1) At any time after the service of a complaint and prior to service of a decision pursuant to Section 8-106(I), complainant or respondent may move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary order in the moving party's favor as to all or any part of the relief sought. A hearing officer may not preclude the filing of said motion except within the 60-day period prior to hearing on the merits of the complaint.

(2) Procedure. The non-moving party may file counteraffidavits prior to the time of the ruling on the motion. The hearing officer shall decide the motion without delay and shall grant it if the pleadings and affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a recommended order as a matter of law. The term "without delay" shall be defined by rule promulgated by the Commission. An interim summary recommended order, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the relief to be awarded.

(3) Affidavits or Motions Made in Bad Faith. If it appears to the satisfaction of the hearing officer at any time that any affidavit or motion presented pursuant to this Section is presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the hearing officer may recommend that the party employing the use of affidavits for dilatory purposes shall pay to the other party the amount of reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the filing of the affidavit or motion, including reasonable attorney's fees.

(Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-109) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-109)

Sec. 8-109. Specific Penalties; Public Contracts; Licensees; Public Officials. In addition to the penalties and forms of relief set forth in Section 8-108, a hearing officer may recommend and the Commission or any three member panel thereof may:

(A) Public Contracts. In the case of a respondent who commits a civil rights violation while holding a public contract, where the practice was authorized, requested, commanded, performed, or knowingly permitted by the board of directors of the respondent or by an officer or executive agent acting within the scope of his employment, order: (1) termination of the contract; (2) debarment of the respondent from participating in public contracts for a period not to exceed three years; (3) imposition of a penalty to be paid to the State Treasurer not to exceed any profit acquired as a direct result of a civil rights violation; or (4) any combination of these penalties.

(B) Licensees. In the case of a respondent, operating by virtue of a license issued by the State, a political subdivision, or any agency thereof, who commits a civil rights violation, recommend to the appropriate licensing authority that the respondent's license be suspended or revoked.

(C) Public Officials. In the case of a respondent who is a public official who violates paragraph (C) of Section 5-102, recommend to the department or agency in which the official is employed that such disciplinary or discharge proceedings as the Commission deems appropriate be employed.

(Source: P.A. 81-1267.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-110) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-110)

Sec. 8-110. Publication of Opinions. Decisions of the Commission or panels thereof, whether on requests for review or complaints, shall be published within 120 calendar days of the completion of service of the written decision on the parties to ensure a consistent source of precedent.

This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly apply to decisions of the Commission entered on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 95-243, eff. 1-1-08.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-111) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-111)

Sec. 8-111. Court Proceedings.

(A) Civil Actions Commenced in Circuit Court.

(1) Venue. Civil actions commenced in a circuit court pursuant to Section 7A-102 shall be commenced in the circuit court in the county in which the civil rights violation was allegedly committed.

(2) If a civil action is commenced in a circuit court, the form of the complaint shall be in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure.

(3) If a civil action is commenced in a circuit court under Section 7A-102, the plaintiff or defendant may demand trial by jury.

(4) Remedies. Upon the finding of a civil rights violation, the circuit court or jury may award any of the remedies set forth in Section 8A-104.

(B) Judicial Review.

(1) Any complainant or respondent may apply for and obtain judicial review of a final order of the Commission entered under this Act by filing a petition for review in the Appellate Court within 35 days from the date that a copy of the decision sought to be reviewed was served upon the party affected by the decision. If a 3-member panel or the full Commission finds that an interlocutory order involves a question of law as to which there is substantial ground for difference of opinion and that an immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation, any party may petition the Appellate Court for permission to appeal the order. The procedure for obtaining the required Commission findings and the permission of the Appellate Court shall be governed by Supreme Court Rule 308, except the references to the "trial court" shall be understood as referring to the Commission.

(2) In any proceeding brought for judicial review, the Commission's findings of fact shall be sustained unless the court determines that such findings are contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence.

(3) Venue. Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the appellate court for the district wherein the civil rights violation which is the subject of the Commission's order was allegedly committed.

(C) Judicial Enforcement.

(1) When the Commission, at the instance of the Department or an aggrieved party, concludes that any person has violated a valid order of the Commission issued pursuant to this Act, and the violation and its effects are not promptly corrected, the Commission, through a panel of 3 members, shall order the Department to commence an action in the name of the People of the State of Illinois by complaint, alleging the violation, attaching a copy of the order of the Commission and praying for the issuance of an order directing such person, his or her or its officers, agents, servants, successors and assigns to comply with the order of the Commission.

(2) An aggrieved party may file a complaint for enforcement of a valid order of the Commission directly in Circuit Court.

(3) Upon the commencement of an action filed under paragraphs (1) or (2) of subsection (B) of this Section the court shall have jurisdiction over the proceedings and power to grant or refuse, in whole or in part, the relief sought or impose such other remedy as the court may deem proper.

(4) The court may stay an order of the Commission in accordance with the applicable Supreme Court rules, pending disposition of the proceedings.

(5) The court may punish for any violation of its order as in the case of civil contempt.

(6) Venue. Proceedings for judicial enforcement of a Commission order shall be commenced in the circuit court in the county wherein the civil rights violation which is the subject of the Commission's order was committed.

(D) Limitation. Except as otherwise provided by law, no court of this state shall have jurisdiction over the subject of an alleged civil rights violation other than as set forth in this Act.

(E) This amendatory Act of 1996 applies to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

(F) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly apply to charges or complaints filed with the Department or the Commission on or after the effective date of those changes.

(Source: P.A. 95-243, eff. 1-1-08.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-112) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-112)

Sec. 8-112. Public Grants; Private Gifts) The commission is authorized to accept public grants and private gifts and bequests so long as the conditions of the grant, gift, or bequest are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 81-1216.)

(775 ILCS 5/8-113) (from Ch. 68, par. 8-113)

Sec. 8-113. Immigration. The Human Rights Commission and the Department of Human Rights are authorized to receive and collect information concerning employment discrimination in relation to persons affected by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Human Rights Commission and the Department of Human Rights are authorized to cooperate with the United States General Accounting Office in providing such information as may be necessary or appropriate for the preparation of the report of the Comptroller General of the United States on discrimination and the implementation of employer sanctions pursuant to that Act. The Human Rights Commission and Department of Human Rights shall coordinate their activities under this Section, and report to the Governor or his designee.

(Source: P.A. 85-139.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 8A heading) ARTICLE 8A. ILLINOIS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION; PROCEDURES UNDER ARTICLES 2, 4, 5, 5A and 6

(775 ILCS 5/8A-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 8A-101)

Sec. 8A-101. This Article shall apply solely to Articles 2, 4, 5, 5A and 6.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/8A-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 8A-102)

Sec. 8A-102. Hearing on Complaint.

(A) Services. Within five days after a complaint is filed by the Department, or the aggrieved party, as the case may be, the Commission shall cause it to be served on the respondent together with a notice of hearing before a hearing officer of the Commission at a place therein fixed.

(B) Time and Location of Hearing. An initial hearing date shall be scheduled for not less than thirty nor more than ninety days after service of the complaint at a place that is within one hundred miles of the place at which the civil rights violation is alleged to have occurred. The hearing officer may, for good cause shown, extend the date of the hearing.

(C) Amendment.

(1) A complaint may be amended under oath by leave of the presiding hearing officer, for good cause shown, upon timely written motion and reasonable notice to all interested parties at any time prior to the issuance of a recommended order pursuant to Section 8A-102(I) or 8B-102(J). The amended complaint shall be served upon all parties of record and the Department of Human Rights by the complainant, or by the Department if it prepared and filed the amended complaint, within 7 days of the date of the order permitting its filing or such additional time as the hearing officer may order. Amendments to the complaint may encompass any unlawful discrimination which is like or reasonably related to the charge and growing out of the allegations in such charge, including, but not limited to, allegations of retaliation.

(2) A motion that the complaint be amended to conform to the evidence, made prior to the close of the public hearing, may be addressed orally on the record to the hearing officer, and shall be granted for good and sufficient cause.

(D) Answer.

(1) The respondent shall file an answer under oath or affirmation to the original or amended complaint within 30 days of the date of service thereof, but the hearing officer may, for good cause shown, grant further time for the filing of an answer.

(2) When the respondent files a motion to dismiss the complaint within 30 days and the motion is denied by the hearing officer, the time for filing the answer shall be within 15 days of the date of denial of the motion.

(3) Any allegation in the complaint which is not denied or admitted in the answer is deemed admitted unless the respondent states in the answer that he is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief with respect to such allegation.

(4) The failure to file an answer is deemed to constitute an admission of the allegations contained in the complaint.

(5) The respondent has the right to amend his answer, upon leave of the hearing officer, for good cause shown.

(E) Proceedings In Forma Pauperis.

(1) If the hearing officer is satisfied that the complainant or respondent is a poor person, and unable to prosecute or defend the complaint and pay the costs and expenses thereof, the hearing officer may permit the party to commence and prosecute or defend the action as a poor person. Such party shall have all the necessary subpoenas, appearances, and proceedings without prepayment of witness fees or charges. Witnesses shall attend as in other cases under this Act and the same remedies shall be available for failure or refusal to obey the subpoena as are provided for in Section 8-104 of this Act.

(2) A person desiring to proceed without payment of fees or charges shall file with the hearing officer an affidavit stating that he is a poor person and unable to pay costs, and that the action is meritorious.

(F) Discovery. The procedure for obtaining discovery of information from parties and witnesses shall be specified by the Commission in rules. If no rule has been promulgated by the Commission on a particular type of discovery, the Code of Civil Procedure may be considered persuasive authority. The types of discovery shall be the same as in civil cases in the circuit courts of this State, provided, however, that a party may take discovery depositions only upon leave of the hearing officer and for good cause shown.

(G) Hearing.

(1) Both the complainant and the respondent may appear at the hearing and examine and cross-examine witnesses.

(2) The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath or affirmation and a transcript shall be made and filed in the office of the Commission.

(3) The testimony taken at the hearing is subject to the same rules of evidence that apply in courts of this State in civil cases.

(H) Compelling Appearance of Parties at Hearing. The appearance at the hearing of a party or a person who at the time of the hearing is an officer, director, or employee of a party may be required by serving the party with a notice designating the person who is required to appear. The notice also may require the production at the hearing of documents or tangible things. If the party or person is a nonresident of the county, the hearing officer may order any terms and conditions in connection with his appearance at the hearing that are just, including payment of his reasonable expenses. Upon a failure to comply with the notice, the hearing officer may enter any order that is just.

(I) Decision.

(1) When all the testimony has been taken, the hearing officer shall determine whether the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in the civil rights violation with respect to the person aggrieved as charged in the complaint. A determination sustaining a complaint shall be based upon a preponderance of the evidence.

(2) The hearing officer shall make findings of fact in writing and, if the finding is against the respondent, shall issue and cause to be served on the parties and the Department a recommended order for appropriate relief as provided by this Act.

(3) If, upon all the evidence, the hearing officer finds that a respondent has not engaged in the discriminatory practice charged in the complaint or that a preponderance of the evidence does not sustain the complaint, he shall state his findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on the parties and the Department a recommended order dismissing the complaint.

(4) The findings and recommended order of the hearing officer shall be filed with the Commission. The findings and recommended order may be authored by a hearing officer other than the hearing officer who presides at the public hearing if:

(a) the hearing officer who presides at the public hearing is unable to author the findings and recommended order by reason of death, disability, or separation from employment; and

(b) all parties to a complaint file a joint motion agreeing to have the findings and recommended order written by a hearing officer who did not preside at the public hearing.

(5) A recommended order dismissing a complaint may include an award of reasonable attorneys fees in favor of the respondent against the complainant or the complainant's attorney, or both, if the hearing officer concludes that the complaint was frivolous, unreasonable or groundless or that the complainant continued to litigate after it became clearly so.

(6) The hearing officer may issue a recommended order of dismissal with prejudice or a recommended order of default as a sanction for the failure of a party to prosecute his or her case, file a required pleading, appear at a hearing, or otherwise comply with this Act, the rules of the Commission, or a previous order of the hearing officer.

(Source: P.A. 92-472, eff. 1-1-02.)

(775 ILCS 5/8A-102.5)

Sec. 8A-102.5. Alternative hearing procedure.

(A) All parties shall be given the right to proceed under this Section.

(B) If all parties to a complaint stipulate to proceedings under this Section, the complaint shall be resolved in the following manner:

(1) The parties shall select a hearing officer by mutual agreement from a pool of hearing officers determined by the Commission.

(2) The parties shall have a limited right to discovery. The methods of discovery available to the parties shall be specified in rules promulgated by the Commission.

(3) If a dispositive motion is made with respect to a case, the hearing officer mutually agreed upon shall have the authority to issue a final order disposing of the complaint based upon the motion.

(4) If the case proceeds to public hearing, the hearing officer mutually agreed upon shall have the authority to issue a final order disposing of the complaint based upon the pleadings and the evidence presented. The final order shall be in sufficient detail to apprise the parties as to the basis for the decisions, but need not contain detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(C) There is no right of appeal of orders issued under this Section. By stipulating to resolution of the complaint under this Section, the parties waive all right of appeal except for orders procured by fraud or duress.

(D) Final orders issued under this Section are enforceable in the same manner as orders issued by the Commission.

(Source: P.A. 89-370, eff. 8-18-95.)

(775 ILCS 5/8A-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 8A-103)

Sec. 8A-103. Review by Commission.

(A) Exceptions. Within 30 days of the receipt of service of the hearing officer's recommended order, a party may file with the Commission any written exceptions to any part of the order. Exceptions shall be supported by argument and served on all parties at the time they are filed. If no exceptions are filed, the recommended order shall become the order of the Commission without further review.

(B) Response. Within 21 days of the receipt of service of exceptions, a party may file with the Commission any response to the exceptions. Responses shall be supported by argument and served on all parties at the time they are filed.

(C) Oral Argument. A party may request oral argument at the time of filing exceptions or a response to exceptions. When any party requests oral argument in this manner, the Commission may schedule oral argument to be heard by a panel of 3 Commission members. If the panel grants oral argument, it shall notify all parties of the time and place of argument. Any party so notified may present oral argument.

(D) Remand.

(1) The Commission, on its own motion or at the written request of any party made at the time of filing exceptions or responses, may remand a case to a hearing officer for purposes of a rehearing to reconsider evidence or hear additional evidence in the matter. The Commission shall issue and serve on all parties a written order remanding the cause and specifying the additional evidence.

(2) The hearing officer presiding at a rehearing shall set a hearing date, in accordance with subsection (B) of Section 8A-102, upon due notice to all parties.

(3) After conclusion of the rehearing, the hearing officer shall file written findings and recommendations with the Commission and serve copies at the same time on all parties in the same manner as provided in subsection (I) of Section 8A-102. The findings and recommendations shall be subject to review by the Commission as provided in this Section.

(E) Review.

(1) Following the filing of the findings and recommended order of the hearing officer and any written exceptions and responses, and any other proceedings provided for in this Section, the Commission, through a panel of 3 members, shall decide whether to accept the case for review. If the panel declines to review the recommended order, it shall become the order of the Commission. If the panel accepts the case, it shall review the record and may adopt, modify, or reverse in whole or in part the findings and recommendations of the hearing officer.

(2) When reviewing a recommended order, the Commission shall adopt the hearing officer's findings of fact if they are not contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence.

(3) If the Commission accepts a case for review, it shall file its written order and decision in its office and serve copies on all parties together with a notification of the date when it was filed. If the Commission declines to review a recommended order or if no exceptions have been filed, it shall issue a short statement notifying the parties that the recommended order has become the order of the Commission. The statement shall be served on the parties by first class mail.

(4) A recommended order authored by a non-presiding hearing officer under subparagraph 8A-102(I)(4) of this Act shall be reviewed in the same manner as a recommended order authored by a presiding hearing officer.

(F) Rehearing.

(1) Within 30 days after service of the Commission's order or statement declining review, a party may file an application for rehearing before the full Commission. The application shall be served on all other parties. The Commission shall have discretion to order a response to the application. The filing of an application for rehearing is optional. The failure to file an application for rehearing shall not be considered a failure to exhaust administrative remedies. This amendatory Act of 1991 applies to pending proceedings as well as those filed on or after its effective date.

(2) Applications for rehearing shall be viewed with disfavor and may be granted, by vote of 6 Commission members, only upon a clear demonstration that a matter raises legal issues of significant impact or that Commission decisions are in conflict.

(3) When an application for rehearing is granted, the original order shall be nullified and oral argument before the full Commission shall be scheduled. The Commission may request the parties to file any additional written arguments it deems necessary.

(G) Modification of Order.

(1) At any time before a final order of the court in a proceeding for judicial review under this Act, the Commission or the 3-member panel that decided the matter, upon reasonable notice, may modify or set aside in whole or in part any finding or order made by it in accordance with this Section.

(2) Any modification shall be accomplished by the filing and service of a supplemental order and decision by the Commission in the same manner as provided in this Section.

(H) Extensions of time. All motions for extensions of time with respect to matters being considered by the Commission shall be decided by the full Commission or a 3-member panel. If a motion for extension of time cannot be ruled upon before the filing deadline sought to be extended, the Chairperson of the Commission shall be authorized to extend the filing deadline to the date of the next Commission meeting at which the motion can be considered.

(Source: P.A. 89-348, eff. 1-1-96; 89-370, eff. 8-18-95; 89-626, eff. 8-9-96.)

(775 ILCS 5/8A-104) (from Ch. 68, par. 8A-104)

Sec. 8A-104. Relief; Penalties. Upon finding a civil rights violation, a hearing officer may recommend and the Commission or any three-member panel thereof may provide for any relief or penalty identified in this Section, separately or in combination, by entering an order directing the respondent to:

(A) Cease and Desist Order. Cease and desist from any violation of this Act.

(B) Actual Damages. Pay actual damages, as reasonably determined by the Commission, for injury or loss suffered by the complainant.

(C) Hiring; Reinstatement; Promotion; Backpay; Fringe Benefits. Hire, reinstate or upgrade the complainant with or without back pay or provide such fringe benefits as the complainant may have been denied.

(D) Restoration of Membership; Admission To Programs. Admit or restore the complainant to labor organization membership, to a guidance program, apprenticeship training program, on the job training program, or other occupational training or retraining program.

(E) Public Accommodations. Admit the complainant to a public accommodation.

(F) Services. Extend to the complainant the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of the respondent.

(G) Attorneys Fees; Costs. Pay to the complainant all or a portion of the costs of maintaining the action, including reasonable attorney fees and expert witness fees incurred in maintaining this action before the Department, the Commission and in any judicial review and judicial enforcement proceedings. Provided, however, that no award of attorney fees or costs shall be made pursuant to this amendatory Act of 1987 with respect to any charge for which the complaint before the Commission was filed prior to December 1, 1987. With respect to all charges for which complaints were filed with the Commission prior to December 1, 1987, attorney fees and costs shall be awarded pursuant to the terms of this subsection as it existed prior to revision by this amendatory Act of 1987.

(H) Compliance Report. Report as to the manner of compliance.

(I) Posting of Notices. Post notices in a conspicuous place which the Commission may publish or cause to be published setting forth requirements for compliance with this Act or other relevant information which the Commission determines necessary to explain this Act.

(J) Make Complainant Whole. Take such action as may be necessary to make the individual complainant whole, including, but not limited to, awards of interest on the complainant's actual damages and backpay from the date of the civil rights violation. Provided, however, that no award of prejudgment interest shall be made pursuant to this amendatory Act of 1987 with respect to any charge in which the complaint before the Commission was filed prior to December 1, 1987. With respect to all charges for which complaints were filed with the Commission prior to December 1, 1987, make whole relief shall be awarded pursuant to this subsection as it existed prior to revision by this amendatory Act of 1987.

There shall be no distinction made under this Section between complaints filed by the Department and those filed by the aggrieved party.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 8B heading) ARTICLE 8B. PROCEDURES AND RELIEF IN ARTICLE 3 CASES BEFORE THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

(775 ILCS 5/8B-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 8B-101)

Sec. 8B-101. Applicability. The procedures and relief specified in this Article shall apply solely to complaints filed with the Human Rights Commission under Article 3.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/8B-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 8B-102)

Sec. 8B-102. Hearing on complaint.

(A) Election of Judicial Determination. When a complaint is filed under Section 7B-102(F) a complainant, a respondent, or an aggrieved party on whose behalf the complaint was filed, may elect to have the claims asserted in that complaint decided in a civil action in a circuit court of Illinois, in which case the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure shall apply. The election must be made not later than 20 days after the receipt by the electing person of service of the complaint by the Commission. The person making such election shall file it with the Commission and shall give notice of doing so to the Department and to all other complainants and respondents to whom the charge relates. If an election is made, the Commission shall act no further on the complaint and shall administratively close the file on the complaint. If an election is not made, the Commission shall continue proceedings on the complaint in accordance with this Act and the hearing shall be before a hearing officer.

(B) Services. Within 5 days after a complaint is filed by the Department, the Commission shall cause it to be served on the respondent and complainant together with a notice of hearing before a hearing officer of the Commission at a place therein fixed and with information as to how to make an election under subsection (A) and the effect of such an election.

(C) Time and Location of Hearing. An initial hearing date shall be scheduled for not less than 30 nor more than 90 days after service of the complaint at a place that is within 100 miles of the place at which the civil rights violation is alleged to have occurred. The hearing officer may, for good cause shown, extend the date of the hearing.

(D) Amendment.

(1) A complaint may be amended under oath by leave of the presiding hearing officer, for good cause shown, upon timely written motion and reasonable notice to all interested parties at any time prior to the issuance of a recommended order pursuant to Section 8A-102(I) or 8B-102(J). The amended complaint shall be served upon all parties of record by the Department within 7 days of the date of the order permitting its filing or such additional time as the hearing officer may order. Amendments to the complaint may encompass any unlawful discrimination which is like or reasonably related to the charge and growing out of the allegations in such charge, including, but not limited to, allegations of retaliation.

(2) A motion that the complaint be amended to conform to the evidence, made prior to the close of the public hearing, may be addressed orally on the record to the hearing officer, and shall be granted for good and sufficient cause.

(E) Answer.

(1) The respondent shall file an answer under oath or affirmation to the original or amended complaint within 30 days of the date of service thereof, but the hearing officer may, for good cause shown, grant further time for the filing of an answer.

(2) When the respondent files a motion to dismiss the complaint within 30 days and the motion is denied by the hearing officer, the time for filing the answer shall be within 15 days of the date of denial of the motion.

(3) Any allegation in the complaint which is not denied or admitted in the answer is deemed admitted unless the respondent states in the answer that he is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief with respect to such allegation.

(4) The failure to file an answer is deemed to constitute an admission of the allegations contained in the complaint.

(5) The respondent has the right to amend his answer, upon leave of the hearing officer, for good cause shown.

(F) Proceedings In Forma Pauperis.

(1) If the hearing officer is satisfied that the complainant or respondent is a poor person, and unable to prosecute or defend the complaint and pay the costs and expenses thereof, the hearing officer may permit the party to commence and prosecute or defend the action as a poor person. Such party shall have all the necessary subpoenas, appearances, and proceedings without prepayment of witness fees or charges. Witnesses shall attend as in other cases under this Act and the same remedies shall be available for failure or refusal to obey the subpoena as are provided for in Section 8-104 of this Act.

(2) A person desiring to proceed without payment of fees or charges shall file with the hearing officer an affidavit stating that he is a poor person and unable to pay costs, and that the action is meritorious.

(G) Discovery. The procedures for obtaining discovery of information from parties and witnesses shall be specified by the Commission in rules. If no rule has been promulgated by the Commission on a particular type of discovery, the Code of Civil Procedure may be considered persuasive authority. The types of discovery shall be the same as in civil cases in the circuit courts of this State, provided, however, that a party may take discovery depositions only upon leave of the hearing officer and for good cause shown.

(H) Hearing.

(1) The Department and the respondent shall be parties in hearings under this Article. The Department shall seek appropriate relief for the complainant and vindication of the public interest. Any complainant may intervene as a party. All parties have the right to examine and cross examine witnesses.

(2) The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath or affirmation and a transcript shall be made and filed in the office of the Commission.

(3) The testimony taken at the hearing is subject to the same rules of evidence that apply in courts of this State in civil cases.

(I) Compelling Appearance of Parties at Hearing. The appearance at the hearing of a party or a person who at the time of the hearing is an officer, director, or employee of a party may be required by serving the party with a notice designating the person who is required to appear. The notice also may require the production at the hearing of documents or tangible things. If the party or person is a nonresident of the county, the hearing officer may order any terms and conditions in connection with his appearance at the hearing that are just, including payment of his reasonable expenses. Upon a failure to comply with the notice, the hearing officer may enter any order that is just.

(J) Decision.

(1) When all the testimony has been taken, the hearing officer shall determine whether the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in the civil rights violation with respect to the aggrieved party as charged in the complaint. A determination sustaining a complaint shall be based upon a preponderance of the evidence.

(2) The hearing officer shall make findings of fact in writing and, if the finding is against the respondent, shall issue and cause to be served on the parties and the Department a recommended order for appropriate relief as provided by this Act.

(3) If, upon all the evidence, the hearing officer finds that a respondent has not engaged in the civil rights violation charged in the complaint or that a preponderance of the evidence does not sustain the complaint, he shall state his findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on the parties and the Department a recommended order dismissing the complaint.

(4) The findings and recommended order of the hearing officer shall be filed with the Commission. The findings and recommended order may be authored by a hearing officer other than the hearing officer who presides at the public hearing if:

(a) the hearing officer who presides at the public hearing is unable to author the findings and recommended order by reason of death, disability, or separation from employment; and

(b) all parties to a complaint file a joint motion agreeing to have the findings and recommended order written by a hearing officer who did not preside at the public hearing.

(5) The hearing officer may issue a recommended order of dismissal with prejudice or a recommended order of default as a sanction for the failure of a party to prosecute his or her case, file a required pleading, appear at a hearing, or otherwise comply with this Act, the rules of the Commission, or a previous order of the hearing officer.

(K) Effect of Trial of Civil Action on Administrative Proceedings. A hearing officer shall not proceed with any administrative proceedings under this Section after the filing of a civil action by or on behalf of the aggrieved party under federal or State law seeking relief with respect to the alleged civil rights violation.

(Source: P.A. 92-472, eff. 1-1-02.)

(775 ILCS 5/8B-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 8B-103)

Sec. 8B-103. Review by Commission.

(A) Exceptions. Within 30 days of the receipt of service of the hearing officer's recommended order, a party may file with the Commission any written exceptions to any part of the order. Exceptions shall be supported by argument and served on all parties at the time they are filed. If no exceptions are filed, the recommended order shall become the order of the Commission without further review.

(B) Response. Within 21 days of the receipt of service of exceptions, a party may file with the Commission any response to the exceptions. Responses shall be supported by argument and served on all parties at the time they are filed.

(C) Oral Argument. A party may request oral argument at the time of filing exceptions or a response to exceptions. When any party requests oral argument in this manner, the Commission may schedule oral argument to be heard by a panel of 3 Commission members. If the panel grants oral argument, it shall notify all parties of the time and place of argument. Any party so notified may present oral argument.

(D) Remand.

(1) The Commission, on its own motion or at the written request of any party made at the time of filing exceptions or responses, may remand a case to a hearing officer for purposes of a rehearing to reconsider evidence or hear additional evidence in the matter. The Commission shall issue and serve on all parties a written order remanding the cause and specifying the additional evidence.

(2) The hearing officer presiding at a rehearing shall set a hearing date, in accordance with Section 8B-102(C), upon due notice to all parties.

(3) After conclusion of the rehearing, the hearing officer shall file written findings and recommendations with the Commission and serve copies at the same time on all parties in the same manner as provided in Section 8B-102(J). The findings and recommendations shall be subject to review by the Commission as provided in this Section.

(E) Review.

(1) Following the filing of the findings and recommended order of the hearing officer and any written exceptions and responses, and any other proceedings provided for in this Section, the Commission, through a panel of 3 members, may review the record and may adopt, modify, or reverse in whole or in part the findings and recommendations of the hearing officer.

(2) When reviewing a recommended order, the Commission shall adopt the hearing officer's findings of fact if they are not contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence.

(3) If the Commission accepts a case for review, it shall file its written order and decision in its office and serve copies on all parties together with a notification of the date when it was filed. If the Commission declines to review a recommended order or if no exceptions have been filed, it shall issue a short statement notifying the parties that the recommended order has become the order of the Commission. The statement shall be served on the parties by first class mail.

(3.1) A recommended order authored by a non-presiding hearing officer under subparagraph 8B-102(J)(4) shall be reviewed in the same manner as a recommended order authored by a presiding hearing officer.

(4) The Commission shall issue a final decision within one year of the date a charge is filed with the Department unless it is impracticable to do so. If the Commission is unable to issue a final decision within one year of the date the charge is filed with the Department, it shall notify all parties in writing of the reasons for not doing so.

(F) Rehearing.

(1) Within 30 days after service of the Commission's order or statement declining review, a party may file an application for rehearing before the full Commission. The application shall be served on all other parties. The Commission shall have discretion to order a response to the application. The filing of an application for rehearing is optional. The failure to file an application for rehearing shall not be considered a failure to exhaust administrative remedies. This amendatory Act of 1991 applies to pending proceedings as well as those filed on or after its effective date.

(2) Applications for rehearing shall be viewed with disfavor, and may be granted, by vote of 6 Commission members, only upon a clear demonstration that a matter raises legal issues of significant impact or that Commission decisions are in conflict.

(3) When an application for rehearing is granted, the original order shall be nullified and oral argument before the full Commission shall be scheduled. The Commission may request the parties to file any additional written arguments it deems necessary.

(G) Modification of Order.

(1) At any time before a final order of the court in a proceeding for judicial review under this Act, the Commission or the 3-member panel that decided the matter, upon reasonable notice, may modify or set aside in whole or in part any finding or order made by it in accordance with this Section.

(2) Any modification shall be accomplished by the filing and service of a supplemental order and decision by the Commission in the same manner as provided in this Section.

(H) Extensions of time. All motions for extensions of time with respect to matters being considered by the Commission shall be decided by the full Commission or a 3-member panel. If a motion for extension of time cannot be ruled upon before the filing deadline sought to be extended, the Chairperson of the Commission shall be authorized to extend the filing deadline to the date of the next Commission meeting at which the motion can be considered.

(Source: P.A. 89-348, eff. 1-1-96; 89-370, eff. 8-18-95; 89-626, eff. 8-9-96.)

(775 ILCS 5/8B-104) (from Ch. 68, par. 8B-104)

Sec. 8B-104. Relief; Penalties. Upon finding a civil rights violation, a hearing officer may recommend and the Commission or any three-member panel thereof may provide for any relief or penalty identified in this Section, separately or in combination, by entering an order directing the respondent to:

(A) Cease and Desist Order. Cease and desist from any violation of this Act.

(B) Actual Damages. Pay actual damages, as reasonably determined by the Commission, for injury or loss suffered by the complainant.

(C) Civil Penalty. Pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest:

(i) in an amount not exceeding $10,000 if the respondent has not been adjudged to have committed any prior civil rights violation under Article 3;

(ii) in an amount not exceeding $25,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed one other civil rights violation under Article 3 during the 5-year period ending on the date of the filing of this charge; and

(iii) in an amount not exceeding $50,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed 2 or more civil rights violations under Article 3 during the 7-year period ending on the date of the filing of this charge; except that if the acts constituting the civil rights violation that is the object of the charge are committed by the same natural person who has been previously adjudged to have committed acts constituting a civil rights violation under Article 3, then the civil penalties set forth in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) may be imposed without regard to the period of time within which any subsequent civil rights violation under Article 3 occurred.

(D) Attorney Fees; Costs. Pay to the complainant all or a portion of the costs of maintaining the action, including reasonable attorneys fees and expert witness fees incurred in maintaining this action before the Department, the Commission and in any judicial review and judicial enforcement proceedings.

(E) Compliance Report. Report as to the manner of compliance.

(F) Posting of Notices. Post notices in a conspicuous place which the Commission may publish or cause to be published setting forth requirements for compliance with this Act or other relevant information which the Commission determines necessary to explain this Act.

(G) Make Complainant Whole. Take such action as may be necessary to make the individual complainant whole, including, but not limited to, awards of interest on the complainant's actual damages from the date of the civil rights violation.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 9 heading) ARTICLE 9. SAVINGS PROVISIONS

(775 ILCS 5/9-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 9-101)

Sec. 9-101. Transfer; savings.

(A) Personnel.

(1) All personnel previously assigned to the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Department of Equal Employment Opportunity, and Human Relations Commission shall be transferred, in accordance with this Act to the Department or Commission.

(2) The rights of employees, the state, and its executive agencies under the Personnel Code, any collective bargaining agreement, or any pension, retirement or annuity plan shall not be affected by this Act.

(B) Documents; Property. All books, records, papers, documents, and property in the possession of the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Department of Equal Employment Opportunity, and Human Relations Commission shall be transferred, in accordance with this Act to the Department or Commission.

(C) Service of Documents; Response to Subpoenas. Any report, notice, paper, document or response to a subpoena which previously had to be made, given, furnished or served to or upon the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Department of Equal Employment Opportunity and Human Relations Commission shall be made, given, furnished or served, in accordance with this Act to the Department.

(D) Rules and Regulations. No rule or regulation promulgated by the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Department of Equal Employment Opportunity, or Human Relations Commission, including those now in effect and those filed pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, shall be abrogated by this Act. In accordance with this Act they shall be deemed rules and regulations of the Department or the Commission.

(E) Completed Acts. This Act shall not affect any act completed, ratified or confirmed or any action taken in a judicial proceeding by or any right accrued or established under the authority of the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Department of Equal Employment Opportunity, Human Relations Commission. Such actions shall be continued, in accordance with this Act, by the Department or Commission.

(F) Appropriations. Appropriations made to or for the use of the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Department of Equal Employment Opportunity, and Human Relations Commission shall be transferred, in accordance with Section 9b of the State Finance Act, to the Department or Commission.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(775 ILCS 5/9-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 9-102)

Sec. 9-102. Pending Matters) (A) Charges; Complaints; Causes of Action. This Act shall not affect or abate any cause of action, charge, complaint or other matter pending before or accrued under the jurisdiction of the Fair Employment Practices Commission or the Department of Equal Employment Opportunity. Each charge, complaint, or matter shall be assumed by the Department or Commission, as provided in this Act, at the same stage, or a parallel stage, of proceeding to which it had progressed prior to the effective date of this Act.

(B) Special Cases. The Human Rights Act shall not in any way affect or abate any right, claim or cause of action under the "Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped Act", approved August 23, 1971, as amended, which accrued or arose prior to July 1, 1980.

(Source: P.A. 84-1084.)

(775 ILCS 5/Art. 10 heading) ARTICLE 10. CIRCUIT COURT ACTIONS

(775 ILCS 5/10-101) (from Ch. 68, par. 10-101)

Sec. 10-101. Applicability. With the exception of Section 10-104, this Article shall apply solely to civil actions arising under Article 3 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-1017, eff. 8-24-04.)

(775 ILCS 5/10-102) (from Ch. 68, par. 10-102)

Sec. 10-102. Court Actions. (A) Circuit Court Actions. (1) An aggrieved party may commence a civil action in an appropriate Circuit Court not later than 2 years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged civil rights violation or the breach of a conciliation or settlement agreement entered into under this Act, whichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to the alleged civil rights violation or breach. Venue for such civil action shall be determined under Section 8-111(B)(6).

(2) The computation of such 2-year period shall not include any time during which an administrative proceeding under this Act was pending with respect to a complaint or charge under this Act based upon the alleged civil rights violation. This paragraph does not apply to actions arising from a breach of a conciliation or settlement agreement.

(3) An aggrieved party may commence a civil action under this subsection whether or not a charge has been filed under Section 7B-102 and without regard to the status of any such charge, however, if the Department or local agency has obtained a conciliation or settlement agreement with the consent of an aggrieved party, no action may be filed under this subsection by such aggrieved party with respect to the alleged civil rights violation practice which forms the basis for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such conciliation or settlement agreement.

(4) An aggrieved party shall not commence a civil action under this subsection with respect to an alleged civil rights violation which forms the basis of a complaint issued by the Department if a hearing officer has commenced a hearing on the record under Article 3 of this Act with respect to such complaint.

(B) Appointment of Attorney by Court. Upon application by a person alleging a civil rights violation or a person against whom the civil rights violation is alleged, if in the opinion of the court such person is financially unable to bear the costs of such action, the court may:

(1) appoint an attorney for such person, any attorney so appointed may petition for an award of attorneys fees pursuant to subsection (C)(2) of this Section; or

(2) authorize the commencement or continuation of a civil action under subsection (A) without the payment of fees, costs, or security.

(C) Relief which may be granted. (1) In a civil action under subsection (A) if the court finds that a civil rights violation has occurred or is about to occur, the court may award to the plaintiff actual and punitive damages, and may grant as relief, as the court deems appropriate, any permanent or preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such civil rights violation or ordering such affirmative action as may be appropriate.

(2) In a civil action under subsection (A), the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the State of Illinois, reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The State of Illinois shall be liable for such fees and costs to the same extent as a private person.

(D) Intervention By The Department. The Attorney General of Illinois may intervene on behalf of the Department if the Department certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon such intervention the court may award such relief as is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under Section 10-102(C).

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/10-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 10-103)

Sec. 10-103. Circuit Court Actions Pursuant To Election. (A) If an election is made under Section 8B-102, the Department shall authorize and not later than 30 days after the election is made the Attorney General shall commence and maintain a civil action on behalf of the aggrieved party in a circuit court of Illinois seeking relief under this Section. Venue for such civil action shall be determined under Section 8-111(B)(6).

(B) Any aggrieved party with respect to the issues to be determined in a civil action under this Section may intervene as of right in that civil action.

(C) In a civil action under this Section, if the court finds that a civil rights violation has occurred or is about to occur the court may grant as relief any relief which a court could grant with respect to such civil rights violation in a civil action under Section 10-102. Any relief so granted that would accrue to an aggrieved party in a civil action commenced by that aggrieved party under Section 10-102 shall also accrue to that aggrieved party in a civil action under this Section. If monetary relief is sought for the benefit of an aggrieved party who does not intervene in the civil action, the court shall not award such relief if that aggrieved party has not complied with discovery orders entered by the court.

(Source: P.A. 86-910.)

(775 ILCS 5/10-104)

Sec. 10-104. Circuit Court Actions by the Illinois Attorney General.

(A) Standing, venue, limitations on actions, preliminary investigations, notice, and Assurance of Voluntary Compliance.

(1) Whenever the Illinois Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination prohibited by this Act, the Illinois Attorney General may commence a civil action in the name of the People of the State, as parens patriae on behalf of persons within the State to enforce the provisions of this Act in any appropriate circuit court. Venue for this civil action shall be determined under paragraph (6) of subsection (C) of Section 8-111. Such actions shall be commenced no later than 2 years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged civil rights violation or the breach of a conciliation agreement or Assurance of Voluntary Compliance entered into under this Act, whichever occurs last, to obtain relief with respect to the alleged civil rights violation or breach.

(2) Prior to initiating a civil action, the Attorney General shall conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination declared unlawful by this Act and whether the dispute can be resolved without litigation. In conducting this investigation, the Attorney General may:

(a) require the individual or entity to file a statement or report in writing under oath or otherwise, as to all information the Attorney General may consider necessary;

(b) examine under oath any person alleged to have participated in or with knowledge of the alleged pattern and practice violation; or

(c) issue subpoenas or conduct hearings in aid of any investigation.

(3) Service by the Attorney General of any notice requiring a person to file a statement or report, or of a subpoena upon any person, shall be made:

(a) personally by delivery of a duly executed copy thereof to the person to be served or, if a person is not a natural person, in the manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure when a complaint is filed; or

(b) by mailing by certified mail a duly executed copy thereof to the person to be served at his or her last known abode or principal place of business within this State.

(4) In lieu of a civil action, the individual or entity alleged to have engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination deemed violative of this Act may enter into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with respect to the alleged pattern or practice violation.

(5) The Illinois Attorney General may commence a civil action under this subsection (A) whether or not a charge has been filed under Sections 7A-102 or 7B-102 and without regard to the status of any charge, however, if the Department or local agency has obtained a conciliation or settlement agreement or if the parties have entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance no action may be filed under this subsection (A) with respect to the alleged civil rights violation practice that forms the basis for the complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of the conciliation or settlement agreement or the terms of the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance.

(6) Subpoenas.

(a) Petition for enforcement. Whenever any person fails to comply with any subpoena issued under paragraph (2) of this subsection (A), or whenever satisfactory copying or reproduction of any material requested in an investigation cannot be done and the person refuses to surrender the material, the Attorney General may file in any appropriate circuit court, and serve upon the person, a petition for a court order for the enforcement of the subpoena or other request. Venue for this enforcement action shall be determined under paragraph (C)(6) of Section 8-111.

(b) Petition to modify or set aside a subpoena.

(i) Any person who has received a subpoena issued under paragraph (2) of this subsection (A) may file in the appropriate circuit court, and serve upon the Attorney General, a petition for a court order to modify or set aside the subpoena or other request. The petition must be filed either (I) within 20 days after the date of service of the subpoena or at any time before the return date specified in the subpoena, whichever date is earlier, or (II) within such longer period as may be prescribed in writing by the Attorney General.

(ii) The petition shall specify each ground upon which the petitioner relies in seeking relief under subdivision (i) and may be based upon any failure of the subpoena to comply with the provisions of this Section or upon any constitutional or other legal right or privilege of the petitioner. During the pendency of the petition in the court, the court may stay, as it deems proper, the running of the time allowed for compliance with the subpoena or other request, in whole or in part, except that the petitioner shall comply with any portion of the subpoena or other request not sought to be modified or set aside.

(c) Jurisdiction. Whenever any petition is filed in any circuit court under this paragraph (6), the court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter so presented and to enter such orders as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Section. Any final order so entered shall be subject to appeal in the same manner as appeals of other final orders in civil matters. Any disobedience of any final order entered under this paragraph (6) by any court shall be punished as a contempt of the court.

(B) Relief which may be granted.

(1) In any civil action brought pursuant to subsection (A) of this Section, the Attorney General may obtain as a remedy, equitable relief (including any permanent or preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such civil rights violation or ordering any action as may be appropriate). In addition, the Attorney General may request and the Court may impose a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest:

(a) for violations of Article 3 and Article 4 in an amount not exceeding $25,000 per violation, and in the case of violations of all other Articles in an amount not exceeding $10,000 if the defendant has not been adjudged to have committed any prior civil rights violations under the provision of the Act that is the basis of the complaint;

(b) for violations of Article 3 and Article 4 in an amount not exceeding $50,000 per violation, and in the case of violations of all other Articles in an amount not exceeding $25,000 if the defendant has been adjudged to have committed one other civil rights violation under the provision of the Act within 5 years of the occurrence of the civil rights violation that is the basis of the complaint; and

(c) for violations of Article 3 and Article 4 in an amount not exceeding $75,000 per violation, and in the case of violations of all other Articles in an amount not exceeding $50,000 if the defendant has been adjudged to have committed 2 or more civil rights violations under the provision of the Act within 5 years of the occurrence of the civil rights violation that is the basis of the complaint.

(2) A civil penalty imposed under subdivision (B)(1) of this Section shall be deposited into the Attorney General Court Ordered and Voluntary Compliance Payment Projects Fund, which is a special fund in the State Treasury. Moneys in the Fund shall be used, subject to appropriation, for the performance of any function pertaining to the exercise of the duties of the Attorney General including but not limited to enforcement of any law of this State and conducting public education programs; however, any moneys in the Fund that are required by the court or by an agreement to be used for a particular purpose shall be used for that purpose.

(3) Aggrieved parties seeking actual damages must follow the procedure set out in Sections 7A-102 or 7B-102 for filing a charge.

(Source: P.A. 97-1032, eff. 1-1-13.)