Texas Gov. Greg Abbott revoked part of his coronavirus executive order to eliminate jail time for business owners.
The modification comes after Shelley Luther, a salon owner in Dallas, was sentenced to seven days in jail and a fine of $7,000 after she opened her business in defiance of the Republican’s executive order to lock down.
“Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical, and I will not allow it to happen,” Abbott said in a statement. “That is why I’m modifying my executive order to ensure confinement is not a punishment for violating an order.”
“This order is retroactive to April 2nd, supersedes local orders and if correctly applied should free Shelley Luther,” Abbott added.
The governor noted that prisons and jails throughout the nation have been releasing nonviolent, suspected criminals and prisoners to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. He said the same concern should be applied to business owners who violate his executive orders.
“As some county judges advocate for releasing hardened criminals from jail to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is absurd to have these business owners take their place,” Abbott said.
Soon after, the Supreme Court of Texas ordered Luther be released from Dallas County Jail.
Luther’s case caught the attention of many prominent Texans, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who offered to pay her $7,000 fine.
