CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker wants Illinois business owners to face Class A Misdemeanor charges if they do not enforce COVID mask-wearing on their premises.
In order for this to take place, the governor has directed the Illinois Department of Public Health to refile an emergency rule. That rule must pass the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), which meets Tuesday this week.
A Class A Misdemeanor could lead to up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2500.
Small businesses and conservatives are notifying these members of JCAR that remain undecided or supportive of the governor before Tuesday's meeting:
- Sen. Bill Cunningham (D) – [email protected]
- Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D) – [email protected]
- Sen. Tony Munoz (D) – [email protected]
- Rep. Mike Halpin (D) – [email protected]
- Rep. Frances Ann Hurley (D) – [email protected]
- Rep. Andre Thapedi (D) – [email protected]
The Illinois Retail Association is pointing out the following talking points against the governor's efforts:
- It is not fundamentally right for the state to fine businesses for the actions of others.
- Business have no control over individuals. No ability to restrain. Efforts to do so expose businesses to legal liability.
- While we support individuals wearing masks, if the Governor believes individuals are not complying, enforcement should be focused on individuals.
- This proposal lacks any common-sense.
- Please vote to reject the rules until they focus on the individuals who are not complying.
