Illinois’ New Paid Leave Law: What Employers Need to Know

By Brian Mead, P. Kevin Connelly and Emily Starbuck on April 18, 2023

The Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA) was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on March 13, 2023, ensuring that all workers in Illinois receive 40 hours of paid time off annually for any purpose. The law will become effective on January 1, 2024, requiring employers to utilize the remaining months of 2023 to ensure they are equipped to comply with the new legislation.

Illinois has joined Maine and Nevada as the third state to implement such a measure.

Brian Mead
Brian Mead focuses his practice on various labor and employment issues. He defends employers, before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, in individual and class action litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and other employment laws, including discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and breach of contract claims. Additionally, Brian has experience in prosecuting and defending employee mobility and trade secret litigation cases on an emergency injunctive basis. Brian is skilled in researching multi-jurisdictional employment issues and preparing memoranda explaining the nuances of these issues and providing a recommended course of action. Read Brian Mead's full bio.

P. Kevin Connelly
Kevin Connelly focuses his practice on employment matters, such as discrimination, harassment, wage and hour law, whistleblowing, statutory leave and traditional labor law. He is experienced in both trials and appeals, and devotes a substantial portion of his practice to class and collective actions. Read Kevin Connelly's full bio.