University, community college employees protected under Turner law

SPRINGFIELD - University and community college employees will receive their pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a winter weather emergency, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

"All employees within our higher education institutions play a vital role in the normal, day-to-day operations on campus," said Turner (D-Springfield). "No one should go unpaid without notice. That's why I led this initiative to ensure workers receive the pay and benefits they deserve."

Senate Bill 331 requires the Board of Trustees of each public university and community college to pay employees their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a city, county or state declaration of a winter weather emergency. The law does not apply if the day is rescheduled and the employee would be paid their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits for the rescheduled day when services are rendered.

Turner's law will include employees who provide educational support services to the campus, such as custodial, building maintenance, transportation and food service employees, and classroom assistants or administrative staff.

"There's little to no notice when campuses need to shut down for a winter storm," said Turner. "Now, university and community college employees won't go unpaid if there's a closure."

Senate Bill 331 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.