Chicago Construction News staff writer
Illinois has enacted new workplace requirements aimed at improving conditions for women and gender-diverse workers on construction sites, including access to dedicated restrooms, menstrual products and accommodations for nursing mothers.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3465, which was sponsored by state Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The legislation establishes new standards for construction sites where women and people who menstruate are present. Employers will be required to provide menstrual products at no cost and allow adequate time for workers to use restrooms, taking into account the protective clothing and equipment they may need to remove.
On construction sites with 10 or more workers, employers must provide a dedicated restroom for women or people who menstruate. The restroom must be clearly marked and include a secure internal latch.
The law also reinforces and expands workplace protections for lactating workers under Illinois law. Upon request, employers must provide reasonable accommodations, which may include flexible breaks, access to a private and secure space to express milk, refrigeration or a comparable option for storing milk and access to a nearby water source for sanitation.
Supporters said the changes address workplace conditions that have historically been overlooked in the construction industry, where women remain underrepresented.
“For too long, the basic needs of tradeswomen and their families have been ignored by the industry,” Cristina Barillas-McEntee, a journeyworker plumber with Local 130 and director of tradeswomen initiatives at Chicago Women in Trades, said in a statement.
“Clean washrooms, menstrual products, and private space for nursing mothers are not special requests; they are what an inclusive worksite requires. This bill makes that the standard in Illinois.”
Chicago Women in Trades helped lead efforts behind the legislation, which supporters say could also help the industry retain more workers at a time when construction companies continue to face labor shortages.
The construction industry has traditionally been one of the most male-dominated sectors, and advocates have argued that inadequate facilities, a lack of privacy and harassment can make it more difficult for women and gender-diverse workers to remain in the trades.
Guzmán said the legislation addresses practical workplace needs while helping ensure job sites do not create unnecessary barriers for workers.
“The hardworking people of the trades should not be worried that their bodies will impact their work in a negative way or vice versa,” Guzmán said. “The common sense requirements in this bill will ensure sanitary standards are met, and job site work is unimpeded.”
The new requirements are set to take effect at the start of 2027.
