East Central Reporter

Chris Miller, representative for Illinois House District 101, announced that House Bill 3762 would require employers to make adjustments and accommodations if outdoor temperatures exceed 80 degrees, allowing employees to refuse work in such conditions. He shared this information in a Facebook post on April 9.

"When I'm farming in the middle of the summer, I don't complain about the heat because the work needs done," said Miller, State Representative, according to Facebook. "I guess the Democrats are weather wizards now. HB3762 would allow employees to refuse to work and employers would have to make adjustments and accommodations, if it's above 80 degrees outdoors. You can't make this up!"

The bill, known as the Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act, aims to establish weather-related rules that allow employees to refuse work when the wind chill is 40 degrees or lower or when the heat index reaches 80 degrees or higher. According to Noah Finley, Illinois state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), businesses would be required to keep records on weather conditions and how they address these issues, imposing a significant administrative burden on small business owners.

Screenshot of State Representative Chris Miller's April 9 Facebook post | State Representative Chris Miller's Facebook page

Filed on February 7, House Bill 3762 was sponsored by Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. The bill had its first reading on February 18 and was moved to the Rules Committee and Labor & Commerce Committee before having its second reading on March 26. It mandates the Director of Labor to establish rules for excessive cold and heat. Starting January 1, 2026, the Director must implement a plan to prevent temperature-related occupational illnesses and injuries. The bill also includes provisions regarding retaliation, violations, and penalties.

On March 26, the NFIB reported that the Illinois House Labor & Commerce Committee voted to advance the bill. In addition to outdoor temperature standards, it applies to indoor workplaces when temperatures reach 80 degrees with an 85-degree heat index. The bill also covers situations where employees wear clothing that restricts heat removal in temperatures of 80 degrees or higher, work in high-radiant heat areas, or perform heavy work in temperatures of 60 degrees or lower or light work in temperatures of 65 degrees or lower.

Miller has served in the Illinois State House of Representatives since his election in 2019. A native of Illinois, he operates as a third-generation cattle farmer and grain operator in Hindsboro. He holds an associate degree in agriculture from Lake Land College and a Bachelor of Science in Education.