The Illinois Civil Union Act: What Does It Mean for Employers?

On February 1, 2011, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, making Illinois the sixth state to provide equal state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples entering into domestic partnerships or civil unions, where marriage is not available. Effective June 1, 2011, the Civil Union Act grants partners to an Illinois Civil Union the status of “spouse” wherever that term appears in Illinois law.

In this must-attend, complimentary briefing, we will explore the Act’s impact on employer policies and employer-provided benefits. Topics of discussion will include:

• Extent of the concept of a “party to a Civil Union”
• How employers will need to revise their employment practices and policies
• Sorting through issues relating to cafeteria plans and flexible spending account benefits
• Impact on employer-provided non-ERISA covered benefits
• Potential conflicts with Federal laws such as ERISA and DOMA
• Tax issues arising out of providing benefits to same-sex partners
• The application of the Act under fully-insured benefit plans
• Effect on State-mandated leave laws, sick leave, and similar policies
• Impact on workers’ compensation benefits

Please join Littler attorneys Russell Chapman and Jeremy Stewart for this important and timely session.

Registration and Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

There is no charge for this program.

Two hours of CLE and SPHR/PHR credit have been requested.

Questions? Please contact Jodi Dalton at jdalton@littler.com or 312.795.3287.