SE Illinois News

House Republican Floor Leader State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) responded to the signing of SB 328 by Governor J.B. Pritzker, a bill that expands the ability of trial lawyers to file lawsuits against businesses operating in and outside Illinois.

“Today’s signature of SB 328 is a cash giveaway to Democrat-allied trial lawyers, who will now have wide latitude to file even more frivolous lawsuits than they already do,” Windhorst said. “The process that led to the passage of this bill is just as egregious as the language contained within the statute. Illinois-based businesses will be able to be sued for actions that happen outside of the state. This is an unprecedented cash grab by trial lawyers and their Democratic allies in the General Assembly and the Governor’s office.”

Windhorst is among plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court, alleging that Democrats violated the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, which requires legislation to be read three times on three consecutive days in each legislative chamber.

“I joined my fellow House Republicans in calling on Governor Pritzker to veto this irresponsible and dangerous bill,” Windhorst said. “He ignored those calls and signed the bill anyway. I remain hopeful that the judicial branch will hold Democrats, who control every lever of power in state government, accountable for their abuse of legislative power and their violation of the Illinois Constitution.”

Windhorst was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 117th House District in 2023, succeeding Natalie Phelps Finnie.