Judge Dismisses Suits Filed Against Pritzker, but Re-filings Will Be Considered

The group of lawsuits filed in a number of Illinois counties against Governor J.B. Pritzker have been dismissed, but the judge is leaving room for the suits to be re-filed in a different form.

Suits alleging Pritzker overstepped his authority in extending Executive Orders concerning COVID-19 had been transferred to Sangamon County since the suits were similar. One suit was filed by St. Rep. Darren Bailey in Clay County. Other suits were originally filed in Edgar, Sangamon, Bond, Richland, Clinton and Adams counties. Greenville attorney Thomas DeLong was the attorney for the plaintiffs in all cases.

Judge Raylene Grischlow ruled against the suits on November 4. The judge ruled that the suits lacked sufficient facts to support the conclusions suggested by the plaintiffs. She added, though, that a cause of action may exist; it just has not been properly pled. 

Specifically regarding the suit brought by Bailey, the judge denied a motion to add a count to his complaint since it argues some of the same things argued in some of the other cases. However, the judge said she would consider an amended pleading by Bailey that conforms to her requirements outlined in her order.

The county plaintiffs were given 21 days, up to and including November 25, to file amended pleadings, then the Governor has 21 days from when the amended pleadings are filed to respond to the amended pleadings.