Illinois Worker Scheduling Preemption Law: Statewide Employment Preemption Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 820 ILCS 140
Weekly Rest: 24 hours
Meal Break: 20 minutes
Local Rules: Allowed

Full Breakdown

The One Day Rest in Seven Act (820 ILCS 140), as amended by Public Act 102-0828 effective January 1, 2023, requires 24 consecutive hours of rest in each consecutive seven-day period and a 20-minute meal break for shifts of 7.5 hours or more, with an additional break for shifts over 12 hours. The Act does not preempt stricter local scheduling rules. Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance imposes predictive scheduling for covered industries. The Illinois Department of Labor enforces ODRISA and may assess civil penalties.

Violations & Penalties

ODRISA violations carry civil penalties of $250 to $500 per offense for employers with under 25 workers and $500 to $1,000 for larger employers, plus damages payable to affected workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Illinois require a day off each week?

Yes. The One Day Rest in Seven Act requires employers to provide 24 consecutive hours of rest in every consecutive seven-day period, with limited exemptions for managerial and certain agricultural workers.

Can cities require predictive scheduling in Illinois?

Yes. ODRISA does not preempt municipal scheduling laws. Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance imposes 14-day advance schedule notice and predictability pay on covered employers.

Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act Sets Scheduling Floor