Working for Illinois Caucus

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Wanting to strengthen worker rights, state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, has passed legislation that would prohibit employers from requiring that applicants have a driver’s license unless it is necessary for the position.

“At its core, this legislation is about ensuring that everyone has equal access to job opportunities,” said Johnson. “If a job does not need someone to drive, then whether or not they have a driver’s license shouldn’t matter. If they can work, they should have the opportunity to do so without unnecessary barriers standing in their way.”

Johnson’s House Bill 4758 states that a job posting can not require that an applicant has a valid driver’s license unless driving is an essential part of the job. This guarantees that applicants without a driver’s license have an equal opportunity to employment opportunities where they are not required. If a driver’s license is required for a posted position, the employer must provide a brief description on the job posting describing why it is considered necessary.

“Whether or not someone has a driver’s license doesn’t determine what type of worker they’ll be,” said Johnson. “And for that to be a deciding factor makes absolutely no sense. This legislation will provide people with greater access to different employment opportunities, something that should have never been restricted in the first place.”

House Bill 4758 received bipartisan support, and it now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, please contact support@repgreggjohnson.com.