Illinois governor, J.B. Pritzker, passed a law last week that allows individuals assaulting workers enforcing the use of masks to be prosecuted for aggravated battery. In Illinois, aggravated battery is typically a felony.
"This provision sends the message that it's vitally important for workers to be both respected and protected while serving on the front lines," said the governor's office in a statement on the new law, which went into effect immediately.
Since the pandemic, there's been a string of incidents involving customers being combative with workers enforcing mask rules. This month alone, there was an incident where a man fired an assault rifle at local police over a dispute regarding a cigar shop's mask policy and another involving a New Jersey woman attacking an elderly lady who had asked her to wear her mask properly. In addition, a brawl broke out on a flight to Ibiza over two men refusing to wear their mask.
The new Illinois law also goes after business who repeatedly fail to enforce mask rules. Businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with mask requirements could face a fine anywhere between $75 - $2,500.
Source: CNN
