Illinois to Allow Veterans Preference in Private Employment: Employment Law Manual Updated, Legal Timetable Entry Added

Authors: Beth P. Zoller and David B. Weisenfeld, XpertHR Legal Editors

Under a new law that takes effect January 1, 2016, a private employer in Illinois will be permitted to establish a voluntary veterans preference policy in hiring, promotion and retention decisions. An employer may require a veteran to submit paperwork establishing his or her eligibility to receive the preference. The new law also amends the Illinois Human Rights Act and provides that application of a voluntary veterans preference policy and preferential treatment to a veteran or his or her relative does not constitute a violation.

In light of these developments, the Illinois EEO - Discrimination, EEO- Affirmative Action and Recruiting sections of the Employment Law Manual have been updated and a Legal Timetable Entry has been added.