A LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE UPHELD GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER'S MASK ENFORCEMENT RULES FOR ILLINOIS BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS TUESDAY.

THE RULES CREATE GUIDELINES FOR ENFORCING THE STATE'S MASK MANDATE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS, RANGING FROM A WARNING TO FINES FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS. THE GOVERNOR'S GENERAL COUNSEL, ANN SPILLANE, SAYS BUSINESSES NEED TO POST SIGNS ASKING CUSTOMERS TO WEAR A MASK AND PROVIDE MASKS TO CUSTOMERS IF POSSIBLE. THEY DO NOT NEED TO POLICE THOSE WHO SAY THEY CAN'T MEDICALLY WEAR A MASK.

SENATOR PAUL SCHIMPF OF WATERLOO SAY BUSINESS OWNERS SHOULDN'T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO REFUSE TO WEAR A MASK, AND THAT THE ENFORCEMENT MEASURES WOULD CARRY MORE WEIGHT IF THEY WERE STATE LAW.

THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES VOTED TO LET THE RULES STAND. THEY DO NOT APPLY TO INDIVIDUAL'S IGNORING THE STATE'S MASK MANDATE.