New Illinois Law Says Assaulting A Worker Enforcing Masks Is A Felony
A new Illinois law says anyone assaulting a worker enforcing masks is now going to be charged with a felony. Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker passed the new statewide statute, which looks to prosecute suspects with aggravated battery.
The governor’s office said in a statement on the new law, “This provision sends the message that it’s vitally important for workers to be both respected and protected while serving on the front lines.” In addition to the new rule, businesses who repeatedly refuse to comply with mask requirements will now face a fine between $75 and $2,500.
RELATED: Australian Anti-Masker Bashes Police Officer’s Head Into Concrete
The new regulation arrives as several states have seen aggressive and violent disputes break out over employees enforcing public health and safety measures, like social distancing and use of masks. The disputes have also occurred among customers. Earlier this month, a New Jersey woman, who was not wearing her mask properly, assaulted another customer at Staples who asked her to fix it. And next door in Pennsylvania, a man shot at a cigar shop employee for asking him to wear a mask or leave. Elsewhere, police officers have been attacked and shot at, and bus drivers have been bitten and even beaten to death for enforcing mask policies.
RELATED: Florida Man Spits In Child’s Face For Wearing A Mask & Yells ‘You Now Have Coronavirus’