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Governor Withdraws Penalties Against Businesses
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 With this decision, the emergency rules are immediately repealed and no longer in effect.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.

Mark Denzler
President & CEO
Illinois Manufacturers' Association
Disclaimer : The information in this email is provided for general informational purposes only as a benefit of your membership in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. No information contained in this email should be construed as legal advice from the IMA or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.