Workers' Compensation Committee Plans to Withdraw Emergency Rule

This morning, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission filed notice that they will meet on Monday and formally withdraw the emergency rule that created a presumption that the workplace was the cause of a COVID-19 infection. This action to withdraw the rule was taken after the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Illinois Retail Merchants Association filed a lawsuit on Tuesday on behalf of two-dozen organizations  and won a Temporary Restraining Order on Thursday afternoon blocking the rule from taking effect. A Sangamon County judge issued the TRO on the grounds that the Commission exceeded its rulemaking authority.

 

This is a significant victory for the Illinois business community. Late yesterday, the National Council on Compensation Insurance released an early economic analysis showing a potential cost of $4.4 billion on employers.

 

While the emergency rule has been withdrawn, the IMA expects that legislation will be filed in the General Assembly. Nearly twenty states have passed a presumption but limited it to first responders and health care workers. The IMA will continue to engage with the Commission and General Assembly on this important issue.

 

Enjoy the weekend.

Mark Denzler

President & CEO

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.