The 2026 Workplace Transparency Act amendment strengthens Illinois law by expanding protections for employees who report unlawful employment practices and engage in protected workplace activity. As of January 1, 2026, amendments to the Act clarify what employers may and may not require employees to agree to as a condition of employment, settlement, or termination. The changes reinforce long-standing public policy goals: preventing unlawful employment practices, preserving employee rights, and reducing employee retaliation when workers speak up about misconduct.

The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (WTA) has long served as a cornerstone of employee protection in Illinois, designed to ensure fair treatment and accountability in the workplace. Originally enacted in 2020 following the #MeToo movement, the WTA set limits on confidentiality agreements and employment contracts that could silence employees or conceal unlawful conduct.

Personnel Records Review Act protections have expanded for Illinois workers beginning January 1, 2025. Under Public Act 103-0727, employees now have greater rights to access, review, and correct their employment records. The Act serves as a critical framework ensuring transparency between employers and employees regarding the documents used to make employment decisions such as hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination decisions.