This afternoon, after push-back from the IMA and others in the business community, Governor Pritzker withdrew his
emergency rules
creating a Class A misdemeanor for businesses that are operating in violation of his Executive Order.
At the direction of the Governor's Office, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) promulgated the emergency rule on Friday without notice or public hearing and had it officially published by the Secretary of State’s Office on Monday. The rule was in response to many local units of government voting or announcing that businesses may reopen or indicated that they will not shut down non-essential businesses that are currently operating against the Governor's Executive Order.
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) was scheduled to discuss the rule today; however,
the Governor and IDPH withdrew the rule moments before JCAR was scheduled to meet and likely vote to suspend the rule. With this decision, the emergency rules are immediately repealed and no longer in effect.
While this is a victory for business community, it is anticipated that legislators may file legislation that would reintroduce penalties for businesses operating against the Governor's Executive Order. If legislation is filed, it could be even more restrictive than the Governor's emergency rules.
