Two laws taking effect on January 1st, will expand leave rights for workers whose lives have been impacted by violence. Public Act 103-0314 amends the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA).  The amendment to VESSA will allow employees to take up to two weeks of unpaid, job protected leave from work to attend a funeral, arrange a funeral, or grieve, if a family or household member is killed in a crime of violence.

Another law, Public Act 103-0466, establishes the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act (CEBLA). This provides job protected, unpaid leave for parents who experience the loss of a child through suicide or homicide. 

Governor JB Pritzker says the last thing an Illinois resident should be thinking about during tragedy is whether they will have a job or not.  Thanks to amendments with VESSA and CEBLA, Illinoisans can take the time and space they need to grieve and gather with loved ones.  

VESSA provisions currently allow unpaid time off for reasons including medical attention, counseling, victim services, relocating, or participating in legal proceedings.  CEBLA was the initiative of a mother in Rockford, Laura Kane, in memory of her son Zachary Birkholz.  The bill was successful because of her advocacy at the state capitol.