Section 8 protections expanded
House Bill 2775 was signed into law on May 23, 2022. The law, introduced by Representative La Shawn K. Ford, amends the Illinois Human Rights Act by prohibiting source of income discrimination in real estate transaction under the State’s fair housing laws. This change brings the entire State of Illinois into line with Chicago and Cook County on the issue of participation in the Section 8 housing voucher program which will no longer be voluntary. It also opens up a number of questions with regard to whether a landlord must participate in emergency rental assistance programs. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2023.