Sanalitro backs HB5228 to revise workers’ comp insurance rules for licensed businesses

During the 104th General Assembly, Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-48th) cast a Yes vote on HB5228, an amendment to workers’ compensation insurance requirements for state-licensed businesses, passing the House 89-27 on May 31, 2026, as reported by the Illinois House.

The bill summary lists its focus as: "WORK COMP-STATE LICENSURE."

The following summary provides an interpretation and clarification of the bill’s language and its intended effects.

Essentially, the legislation amends the Workers’ Compensation Act by stipulating that corporations, limited liability companies, or partnerships required to show proof of workers’ compensation insurance for state licensure, but which fail to comply with current standards, may face civil penalties outlined in Section 4(d). To avoid penalty, entities must demonstrate with clear and convincing evidence that they were not conducting business during the period their license was valid. The bill’s provisions aim to enhance enforcement against licensed businesses without adequate workers’ compensation insurance.

The House action recorded for HB5228 was 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs'.

Sanalitro, a Republican, won election to Illinois’ 48th House District in 2023, succeeding Terra Costa Howard as state representative.

In Illinois, bills advance through a multi-step legislative process involving introduction in either chamber, committee scrutiny, floor debates, and passage in both the House and Senate before reaching the governor for final approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial schedule; thousands of measures are introduced per session, but only a select number progress through all stages to become law.