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The Illinois One Day Rest In Seven Act Is Now Effective – What You Should Know

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Bill 3146, an amendment to the One Day Rest In Seven Act (ODRISA), on May 13th, 2022. On January 1st, 2023, it became effective for all employers in Illinois. ODRISA requires employers in Illinois to provide most full-time, non-exempt employees with one day of rest during each workweek and meal and rest breaks during daily shifts. ODRISA took effect on January 1st, 2023, which included a modified definition of “work period” to assess when a day of rest is required. In addition, it requires employers to provide further meal breaks in the event an employee works more than 12 hours and provide employees with notice of the amendments of ODRISA.

Let’s Take A Deeper Dive Into The Act

All covered employees are now eligible for at least 24 hours of rest in every consecutive seven-day period. This act requires employers to provide eligible employees with at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every “calendar week.” The following are additional requirements business owners should be aware of:
  • All covered employees who work in excess of seven and a half hours will be entitled to additional unpaid meal breaks of at least 20 minutes
  • Employers must provide employees with sufficient notice of the amendments to ODRISA
  • Employers are subject to increased penalties and damages for non-compliance (between $250 to more than $500 for each offense)
This law allows employers to secure permits from the Illinois Department of Labor for employees to work on the seventh day, given that the employees have voluntarily agreed to work and are paid at the appropriate overtime rate if they’re working over forty hours in that week. For frequently asked questions, click here.

How Partnering With GMS Can Help

As laws and regulations change, they become more complex. Keeping up with the changes and adjusting your business operations accordingly is challenging. At GMS, we understand. Our HR experts are here to make your job simpler. You don’t have the time or money to deal with the hefty penalties that come your way by not staying compliant. At GMS, we take a proactive approach to ensure you don’t face these penalties. Interested in learning more? Contact us today.