House Bill 4758 was signed into law Friday, banning Illinois employers and staffing agencies from requiring a valid driver’s license unless driving is essential to the job and a business necessity.
The measure targets job postings that list licenses by default even when no vehicle operation is required, a practice lawmakers say blocks qualified applicants from work.
Nearly 1.85 million Illinoisans face employment barriers because they lack a driver’s license, including many people with disabilities who depend on public transit, paratransit, caregivers or family rides.
Sen. Christopher Belt said the law is meant to widen access to jobs and reduce disability-related barriers to earning a living.