Bill would create heat, cold standard for workers

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill to create rules for employers whose workers are exposed to extreme temperatures.

S.B. 2501, introduced Friday, calls on the state’s director of labor by Jan. 1, 2026, to adopt rules to establish “excessive heat and excessive cold standards” for when temperatures fall below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees.

The bill provides guidelines on required employer plans, emergency planning, training, water and shade breaks, acclimatization, retaliation, and enforcement, including the rights of regulators to issue a “temporary cease and desist to order any conduct of the employer that is warranted by public health and safety concerns or is in violation.”