Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Norine Hammond will provide permit fee relief to Illinois small businesses struggling with financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
House Bill 2454 allows permit counties and municipalities to either waive or provide credit for any application/permit costs, fees, or other business regulation costs. Waivers would be subject to an application/review process and will require a demonstration of need based on financial or logistical hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Small, family-run businesses continue to face financial difficulties due to the ongoing pandemic and the lingering effects of the recent economic slowdown,” said Rep. Hammond. “My legislation aims to provide regulatory fee relief for our businesses when they apply for various licenses and permits to do business at the local level. Anything we can do to help our small businesses succeed during these difficult times is very much appreciated and I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support on this issue.”
Hammond’s legislation provides that a county board, board of county commissioners, or corporate authorities of a municipality may, by resolution, waive or provide credit for any application or permit costs, fees or other licensing or registration costs for businesses, including, but not limited to, professional or business licensing, liquor licenses, construction, insurance, sales, builders, contractors, food service, delivery, repair, consultation, legal services, accounting, transportation, manufacturing, technology, assembly, tourism, entertainment, or any business, industry, or service the county or municipality is permitted by law to regulate or license. It further provides that a waiver of business fees or costs shall be subject to an application or review process and a demonstration of need based upon any financial or logistical hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
House Bill 2454 was signed into law on Friday, August 20 as Public Act 102-0435.