West Central Reporter

State Representative Randy Frese shared information on a new wage transparency law in a December 4 Facebook post, stating, "A new law that goes into effect on January 1 requires companies to list an expected salary range in job postings."

"A new law that goes into effect on January 1 requires companies to list an expected salary range in job postings," said Frese, according to Facebook.

In his post, Frese provided a link to a report by 25 News regarding the legislation, which was signed in 2023 as an amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003. As of January 1, businesses with 15 or more employees will be mandated to include the pay scale and expected benefits for all job postings. Companies failing to comply will have two weeks to update their listings with salary and benefits information. They face fines starting at $500 for a first offense and up to $2,500 for subsequent offenses if they do not comply within seven days.

Screenshot of State Representative Randy Frese's Dec. 4 Facebook post | State Represntative Randy Frese's Facebook page

According to the General Assembly’s webpage for House Bill 3129, also known as Public Act 103-0539, State Representative Mary Beth Canty filed the bill on February 16, 2023. It reached the Senate on March 27, passed in May, and was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on August 11. The bill's effective date is January 1, 2025. It introduces changes to the Equal Pay Act of 2023 and underwent several amendments in both legislative chambers before being approved by Pritzker.

NBC5 Chicago reports that employers must also maintain records of the pay scale and benefits for any advertised position. NBC5 further notes that California and Washington have similar laws requiring pay scale information in job listings. In Colorado, Connecticut, and Maryland, employers are required to provide information on pay and benefits during the interview process if requested by applicants.

Frese represents Illinois' 99th District. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences/Agriculture from Western Illinois University and has experience as a sales representative for White Farm Equipment. He later worked as an industrial minerals salesman before establishing his own businesses in Adams County. Frese is involved with the Adams County Farm Bureau and has served on various boards including those for Adams County Fair and Quincy Catholic Charities.