Does Chicago have a ban-the-box ordinance?

Yes. The Chicago Fair Chance Ordinance prohibits employers with 15+ employees from asking about criminal history on the initial application and requires a conditional offer before inquiring. It also mandates an individualized assessment and specific notice procedures before adverse action.

What does Illinois' Cannabis Regulation Act mean for drug testing?

Illinois legalized recreational cannabis in 2020. Employers can still maintain drug-free workplace policies and test for cannabis, but cannot take adverse action based solely on a positive cannabis test for off-duty use unless the employee is impaired at work or the position is safety-sensitive.

Illinois

Background Screening & Drug Testing for Illinois Employers

Illinois employers — especially those in Chicago — navigate a layered compliance environment. Do It Right Screening builds programs that comply with the Illinois Human Rights Act, Chicago Fair Chance Ordinance, and cannabis testing restrictions.

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Illinois Employment Screening Compliance

Illinois has a statewide law — the Illinois Human Rights Act — that restricts how employers use criminal history, plus Chicago's Fair Chance Ordinance adds another layer for employers in the city. Add in cannabis legalization and FMCSA requirements for the country's third-largest logistics hub, and Illinois employers need a compliance-first screening partner.

We configure your screening program to handle Illinois and Chicago requirements automatically, so your HR team doesn't have to manually track which rules apply to each hire.

Chicago Fair Chance Ordinance (Ban-the-Box)

Chicago employers with 15+ employees cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer. Adverse action requires individualized assessment and written notice.

Illinois Human Rights Act

Prohibits using criminal history as a basis for employment decisions without an individualized assessment considering the nature of the crime and its relationship to the job.

Illinois Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act

Employers may maintain drug-free workplace policies, but adverse action based solely on off-duty cannabis use is restricted for non-safety-sensitive positions.

FMCSA / DOT Requirements

Chicago is one of the largest freight hubs in North America. Illinois motor carriers must maintain full FMCSA compliance — DQ files, Clearinghouse, random testing.

Our Illinois Screening Services

Illinois & Chicago-Compliant Packages

Screening workflows configured for the Illinois Human Rights Act and Chicago Fair Chance Ordinance, including correct timing and adverse action procedures.

Criminal History Searches

Illinois county and statewide criminal records, national database, and sex offender registry searches.

Employment & Education Verification

Verify work history and credentials for Illinois-based candidates.

Drug Testing (Cannabis-Policy Aware)

Pre-employment and ongoing testing with LabCorp sites statewide. We help Illinois employers design cannabis policies that comply with state law.

DOT Compliance

Full driver qualification file management and Clearinghouse services for Illinois motor carriers operating through the Chicago freight corridor.

Illinois-Compliant Screening, Built for Your Business

No contracts, no minimums. Account setup in 24–48 hours.

Get a Free Quote (800) 215-3926