Effective January 1, 2025, amendments to the Illinois Personnel Record Review Act (PRRA) have expanded employee rights regarding access to personnel records. Key changes include:
- Expanded Access: Employees can now request additional documents, including employment-related contracts, employee handbooks, and written employer policies or procedures that apply or applied to them.
- Written Requests: All requests must be made in writing, which includes electronic communications such as email or text messages.
- Exemptions: Certain records are exempt from disclosure, including an employer’s trade secrets, client lists, sales projections, and financial data.
- Response Time: Employers must respond to requests within seven working days of receipt, with a possible extension of an additional seven calendar days if necessary.
- Frequency of Requests: Employees are entitled to submit up to two requests per calendar year.
Employers should review and update their policies to ensure compliance with these amendments.