For nearly two decades, Carol Warner has analyzed the legal and financial realities behind workplace decisions, covering employment law, benefits, payroll and HR technology. She translates complex legal updates, regulatory shifts and vendor claims into plain language that HR teams can act on. Her focus is simple: What does this mean for employers, and what should they do next? Connect with her on LinkedIn.
In June 2025, Rhode Island became the first state to pass a law requiring workplace protections for employees experiencing menopause.
Now, two more jurisdictions – Illinois and Philadelphia – are following Rhode Island’s lead with laws that expand protections for workers dealing with menopause-related symptoms. Both measures take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
What to Know About the Illinois Law
On Aug. 7, 2026, Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act.
The new legislation amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on menopause-related conditions – defined as perimenopause, menopause and associated medical or symptomatic conditions. The conditions can include vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, cognitive or mood changes and osteoporosis-related changes…