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<xml>
<title>Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB 5377</title>
<shortdesc>WORK ALWAYS PAYS ACT</shortdesc>
<sponsor>
<sponsorhead1>House Sponsors</sponsorhead1><sponsors>Rep. Regan Deering</sponsors>
</sponsor>
<lastaction>
<statusdate>2/10/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Referred to Rules Committee</action>
</lastaction>
<synopsis>
<synopsistitle></synopsistitle>
<reference>New Act</reference><aliasreference></aliasreference><reference>30 ILCS 105/5.1038 new</reference><aliasreference></aliasreference><SynopsisText>     Creates the Work Always Pays Act. Provide that a State-administered benefit program shall not reduce benefits by more than $0.50 for each $1.00 increase in a household's earned income. If an increase in earned income results in a reduction of net household resources compared to the level in effect immediately prior to the increase, then the household shall be eligible for a bridge credit. Provides that the amount of the bridge credit shall equal the difference between: (i) the household's net household resources immediately prior to the increase in earned income; and (ii) the household's net household resources after the increase in earned income and corresponding benefit adjustments. Provides that a household that experiences an increase in earned income shall be subject to a 90-day earnings buffer period. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.</SynopsisText></synopsis>
<actions>
<statusdate>2/6/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Regan Deering</action>
<statusdate>2/10/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>First Reading</action>
<statusdate>2/10/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Referred to Rules Committee</action>
</actions>
</xml>
