Carbondale Reporter

Illinois state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) was elected to his third term this past November, and he has wasted no time in getting down to business—lobbying against a House gun control bill that he says is “unconstitutional.”

Windhorst posted a petition on the Illinois House Republican website, saying that House Bill 5855 would “effectively criminalize ownership of entire classes of firearms by Illinoisans.”

The petition had 992 signatures as of Dec. 21.

“The latest iteration of gun and ammunition control legislation is problematic in many ways, including outlawing legal gun ownership for people under age 21, outlawing hunting for people under age 21 unless accompanied by an adult age 21 or older that holds a valid FOID card, and the implementation of a fee-based gun registration database that would turn current law-abiding citizens into felons for non-compliance,” Windhorst said on his Facebook page recently. “In Southern Illinois, safe and legal gun ownership is a generational tradition for many families. Hunting is a way of life and a way of gathering food for many families that I represent.”

Windhorst noted that he has heard from hundreds of people who are concerned about the bill. He said that as a state representative it is his duty to uphold the United State Constitution, adding that it is his belief the House bill has aspects that go against the Second Amendment. 

“This bill would make law-abiding citizens currently in possession of certain unregistered semi-automatic hand guns, rifles, and shotguns into criminals, and ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds,” the petition said. “It would outlaw individual hunting for people under the age of 21 and would require a registration fee of $25 per firearm to be paid to the State of Illinois. Please show your opposition by signing the petition and supporting the Second Amendment! Together we can stop this overreach by the government.”

Windhorst has been making the rounds following his reelection, including a stop in Harrisburg at the Century Club and Supporters Appreciation Dinner.

“Enjoyed seeing everyone at our Century Club & Supporters Appreciation Dinner tonight!” Windhorst posted on Facebook on Dec. 15. “I’m very thankful for your efforts and encouragement.”

Windhorst was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018, the General Assembly website said. He was elected to his third term this year and serves the 117th District. He serves on the Restorative Justice Committee; both the Civil and Criminal Judiciary committees; Ethics and Elections Committee; Appropriations-Human Services Committee; Firearms and Firearm Safety Subcommittee; Sentencing, Penalties and Criminal Committee; and Family Law and Probate Subcommittee.