SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner last week signed Senate Bill 2613, which provides that employees are entitled to up to 10 workdays of unpaid bereavement leave following the death of a child.

Among advocates for the bill was Jim Dixon of Springfield. He and his wife, Linda, lost a son, Todd, in a one-car accident 25 years ago, and they lead a group call Bereaved Parents of Springfield.

The bill applies to private-sector businesses that employ 50 or more employees for at least 20 work weeks in a year.

The Act expands FMLA coverage by ensuring that employees who lose a child will be provided with two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave to make arrangements, attend the funeral, and grieve.

Senator Jim Oberweis (R-St. Charles) was one of only two members of the Illinois Senate to vote against the legislation. He was joined by Senator McCarter (R-Lebanon).