SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst played a crucial role in the defeat of a bill that would allow convicted murderers and rapists under the age of 21 the chance for parole and resentencing. The proposal, considered late on Thursday night, saw significant opposition led by Windhorst, who serves as the House Republican Floor Leader and is a Republican spokesman on the House Judiciary Criminal Law Committee and the House Restorative Justice Committee. Prior to his tenure as a State Representative, Windhorst held the position of Massac County State’s Attorney for 14 years.

Windhorst raised concerns about the legislation's impact on victims, emphasizing that finality in the criminal justice system is important. "Since 2014, we’ve had a youthful offender parole program that was forward-looking. This program will be retroactive," he stated. "Based on these guidelines, the large majority of individuals who are going to be eligible for this program are people in prison for murder or serious sexual assault offenses." He further added, "With respect to victims, we need to give them finality in the criminal justice system. They should not have to come back to court to relive the loss that they suffered. We should not be reducing sentences for murderers or those guilty of criminal sexual assault."

The proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, with several Democrats joining Windhorst in voting against it. Windhorst called for a verification of the final vote, leading to the bill's failure.