SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities.
“Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Requiring a driver’s license for jobs that do not involve driving unfairly shuts people out of the workforce. This is especially true for people living with disabilities and their families.”
The legislation would prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.
Currently, many job descriptions continue to include driver’s license requirements regardless of whether operating a vehicle is actually necessary for the role. Advocates estimate nearly 1.85 million Illinoisans face barriers to employment because they do not possess a driver’s license, including many people with disabilities who rely on public transportation, paratransit services, rides from caregivers or family members or other accessible transportation options.
House Bill 4758 passed the Senate on Friday.
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