Illinois Bill Would Require Women’s Restrooms on Construction Sites

Senate Bill 3465 set to be discussed in the Illinois House this week would require the state’s construction companies to provide female employees with separate restroom facilities and to stock these facilities with menstrual products, The Center Square reported. The law would apply to construction companies with 10 or more employees, including women, on a site active for more than five days.

Although the bill was still being amended last week following negotiations with business interests, some remain opposed to the initiative for various reasons. The House Labor and Commerce Committee has recommended the bill move forward, as lawmakers face a Friday deadline for Senate bills to clear the chamber, Chicago Construction News reported.

The bill requires that the primary employer on a construction site must offer separate restroom facilities, stock menstrual products, and, upon request, provide a private space for nursing employees to lactate. If the proposed bill passes, employers would be responsible for providing menstrual products and would be required to supply either refrigeration or a cooler for breast milk upon request.

If the bill passes, the law will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Any owner who fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of the act commits a petty offense and is subject to a fine to be determined by the certified local public health agency, the bill states.