Legislature Approves Tougher Stop-Work, Penalties Bill

A bill that would make it easier to issue stop-work orders and would make it more costly for employers that avoid workers' compensation responsibilities has passed the Illinois legislature and is on its way to the governor. House Bill 269, sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, was approved by the full Senate 57-0 on Thursday, after passing the House in April by a vote of 104-10. The bill would allow a single workers' compensation commissioner, not the full commission, to issue a stop-work order. If the employer's business is considered to be especially hazardous, a commis...