Jones-Sponsored Law Aimed To Promote Inclusivity

OAK FOREST, IL — A new law sponsored by State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) will help increase the diversity of Illinois’ business community, according to a news release.

Senate Bill 1730 requires publicly held domestic or foreign corporations in Illinois to report the self-identified sexual orientation and gender identity of each member of the company board in their annual report to the Secretary of State, the release states.

“Diversity is an important aspect of the business community,” Jones said. “All historically discriminated against communities deserve representation in the business world.”

Previously, companies were only required to include the race, ethnicity and gender of its board members.

“Members of the LGBTQ community should be represented in every facet of life,” Jones said. “These reporting requirements will help corporate boards be more representative of the people in Illinois.”

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, according to the release.