Windhorst, the Republican spokesman on the House Judiciary Criminal Law Committee and the House Restorative Justice Committee, rose in opposition to a controversial piece of legislation that would grant convicted murderers and rapists under the age of 21 the possibility of parole and resentencing.
During debate, Windhorst pointed to an existing youthful offender program already in place that provides an opportunity for parole for offenders under the age of 21 who are sentenced after 2019. HB3332 would apply retroactively to all inmates who were under the age of 21 at the time of the commission of the crime. Because of Illinois' Truth-In-Sentencing Laws, he noted that the majority of the individuals who would be eligible for resentencing under this legislation are those in prison for murder or sexual assault offenses. An evaluation by the Sentencing Policy Advisory Council revealed HB3332 would apply to 774 individuals incarcerated for murder and 202 individuals incarcerated for sexual assault. He went on to advocate for the victims of crime.
“With respect to victims, we need to give them finality in the criminal justice system," Windhorst said. "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 bill ultimately failed with several Democrats voting no.
Rep. Windhorst leads the House Republican Truth in Public Safety (TIPS) Working Group which has introduced legislation aimed at protecting crime victims, retaining and recruiting law enforcement officers and ensuring pre-trial fairness applies to everyone, including victims and the public.
Rep. Windhorst leads the House Republican Truth in Public Safety (TIPS) Working Group which has introduced legislation aimed at protecting crime victims, retaining and recruiting law enforcement officers and ensuring pre-trial fairness applies to everyone, including victims and the public.