§ 8-102 — Powers and duties

In addition to the other powers and duties prescribed in this Act, the Commission shall have the following powers and duties: (A) Meetings. To meet and function at any place within the State. (B) Offices. To establish and maintain offices in Springfield and Chicago. (C) Employees. To select and fix the compensation of such technical advisors and employees as it may deem necessary pursuant to the provisions of the Personnel Code. (D) Hearing Officers. To select and fix the compensation of hearing officers who shall be attorneys duly licensed to practice law in this State and full-time employees of the Commission. A formal and unbiased training program for hearing officers shall be implemented. The training program shall include the following: (1) substantive and procedural aspects of the hearing officer position; (2) current issues in human rights law and practice; (3) lectures by specialists in substantive areas related to human rights matters; (4) orientation to each operational unit of the Department and Commission; (5) observation of experienced hearing officers conducting hearings of cases, combined with the opportunity to discuss evidence presented and rulings made; (6) the use of hypothetical cases requiring the hearing officer to issue judgments as a means to evaluating knowledge and writing ability; (7) writing skills; (8) computer skills, including, but not limited to, word processing and document management. A formal, unbiased and ongoing professional development program including, but not limited to, the above-noted areas shall be implemented to keep hearing officers informed of recent developments and issues and to assist them in maintaining and enhancing their professional competence. (E) Rules and Regulations. To adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. (F) Compulsory Process. To issue and authorize requests for enforcement of subpoenas and other compulsory process established by this Act. (G) Decisions. Through a panel of 3 members designated by the Chairperson on a random basis, to hear and decide by majority vote complaints filed in conformity with this Act and to approve proposed settlements. Decisions by commissioners must be based strictly on neutral interpretations of the law and the facts. (H) Rehearings. To order, by a vote of 3 members, rehearing of its decisions by the entire Commission in conformity with this Act. (I) Judicial Enforcement. To authorize requests for judicial enforcement of its orders in conformity with this Act. (J) Opinions. To publish each decision within 180 days of the decision to assure a consistent source of precedent. Published decisions shall be subject to the Personal Information Protection Act. (K) Public Grants; Private Gifts. To accept public grants and private gifts as may be authorized. (L) Interpreters. To appoint at the expense of the Commission a qualified interpreter whenever a hearing impaired individual or an individual who lacks proficiency in the English language is a party or witness in proceedings before the Commission. (M) Automated Processing Plan. To prepare an electronic data processing and telecommunications plan jointly with the Department in accordance with Section 7-112. The provisions of Public Act 89-370 amending subsection (G) of this Section apply to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 1996.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 103-326, eff. 1-1-24 .)