McHenry Times

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) has been signed into law, providing new protections for reservists and veterans in Illinois whose civilian jobs include nontraditional or overnight shifts.

Previously, the Illinois Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (SMERRA) calculated differential compensation based on calendar work days. This approach did not account for employees who worked shifts that began on one day and ended the next, potentially leaving gaps in pay for those working overnight.

“Our laws should reflect the reality of today’s workforce and I’m proud to carry this bill on behalf of the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission and the many Illinois veterans and reservists it will help,” said Wilcox.

The new measure, House Bill 1362, updates state law to define work time by “shifts” rather than calendar days. This change ensures that service members are fully compensated for all hours they would have worked in their civilian roles, regardless of when their shift starts or ends.

“This legislation is a commonsense update that corrects an oversight in how we treat our veteran and reservist employees,” said Wilcox. “If a servicemember works an overnight shift, their military service shouldn’t cost them hours or pay just because the calendar changed at midnight. This law ensures they are treated fairly and with the respect they’ve earned.”

The bill aligns with Public Act 100-1101, which established SMERRA in 2018 to protect service members’ rights to employment, reemployment, and fair compensation.

“This is a victory for every servicemember who juggles both civilian responsibilities and military obligations,” added Wilcox. “I am grateful this important clarifying bill received unanimous support in the Senate and House.”

Wilcox was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois' 32nd Senate District in 2018, succeeding Pamela Althoff.