Deuter backs HB5228 to boost penalties for businesses lacking workers' comp coverage

Rep. Martha Deuter (D-45th) supported HB5228, which aims to strengthen enforcement against licensed businesses not maintaining mandatory workers' compensation coverage, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, the Illinois House reported; the bill cleared the House 89-27.

According to the bill's official text, it is summarized as: "WORK COMP-STATE LICENSURE."

The summary below provides an analysis and clarifying interpretation of the bill's language.

Essentially, the bill modifies the Workers’ Compensation Act so that corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships required to hold state licenses with proof of workers’ compensation coverage must comply with existing insurance requirements. Failure to do so incurs civil penalties as outlined in Section 4(d), unless the entity can present clear and convincing evidence it was not operating while its license was valid. The legislation is intended to reinforce oversight and penalties for businesses that retain active licenses without proper coverage.

The legislative record notes the action for HB5228 as 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs'.

Deuter earned a BSW from Ohio University in 1995.

A Democrat, Deuter was elected to represent Illinois' 45th House District in 2025, succeeding Jenn Ladisch Douglass.

Legislation in Illinois proceeds through a multi-stage process that starts with introduction in the House or Senate, moves through committee evaluation, floor debate, and votes in both chambers before the governor considers approval or veto. The General Assembly meets biennially, and while many bills are introduced each session, comparatively few achieve final approval and become law.