SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to protect nursing home residents from retaliation if they report abuse or neglect.

The legislation will allow residents to file civil lawsuits against nursing homes if they are threatened or face retaliation for reporting actions that occur within the facility.

Nursing home residents will have up to two years to file lawsuits against their facility, licensee, or employees if they faced retaliation.

"It also requires nursing homes to annually notify residents of their rights regarding retaliation and the process to make such complaints," said Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). "Lastly, the law requires in-service training designed to prevent retaliatory action."

The law passed out of the Senate on a 48-2 vote and received approval from 89 of the 118 state representatives. 

House Bill 2474 will take effect on January 1. 

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