Hirschauer supports HB5228 to amend workers’ compensation requirements for state-licensed businesses

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49th) cast a Yes vote on HB5228, legislation updating workers’ compensation law for state-licensed businesses during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House. The bill passed the chamber by a vote of 89-27.

The bill's official summary reads: "WORK COMP-STATE LICENSURE."

Below is our summary, derived from the official bill language, including clarifications to aid understanding of its proposals.

This bill revises the Workers’ Compensation Act to require that any corporation, limited liability company, or partnership, which must present proof of workers’ compensation insurance as a licensing condition and does not satisfy current coverage obligations, will be liable for civil penalties under Section 4(d). Civil penalties may be avoided if the entity provides clear and convincing evidence that it was not conducting business during the period its license was active. The bill aims to reinforce compliance among licensed businesses that hold active state licenses but do not maintain proper workers’ compensation coverage.

The vote action for HB5228 was ‘Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs’.

Hirschauer earned a bachelor’s degree from Colby College.

Hirschauer, a Democrat, was elected to serve the Illinois House from the 49th District in 2021, succeeding former state representative Karina Villa.

Illinois bills go through a multi-stage legislative process that begins with introduction in either the House or Senate, followed by committee consideration, full chamber debate and votes, then submission to the governor for action. The General Assembly meets every two years; though thousands of measures are introduced in each cycle, only a limited number become law.