Stacey Smiricky Interviewed for XpertHR Podcast on New Employment Laws in Illinois

The state of Illinois has made many employment law changes over the past year, including implementing the "ban the box" law, which bans employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal past, a medical marijuana law, and laws that could potentially affect EEOC cases. Faegre Baker Daniels partner Stacey Smiricky, who counsels clients on proper employment practices and risk management, was interviewed for an Xpert HR podcast on these new pieces of legislation.

When asked specifically about the Pregnancy Fairness Act, signed into law by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn in June 2014, Smiricky said this law specifically would be the trickiest for employers to comply with. "I think many employers want to make sure that their pregnant employees can come to work and are comfortable at work, but I think there are so many nuances in that legislation that it's going to require a lot of in-depth analyses as to what you can and can't do," Smiricky said.

Smiricky noted that while most of the new laws should have little impact on employers, they would be wise to monitor progress at the Illinois Capitol and seek advice on any new laws that could affect their business.