Hearing Set for Tuesday on Wilhour Lawsuit Against House Speaker

(WILHOUR)

A hearing is set for 9am Tuesday in Bond County Circuit Court on a lawsuit filed by St. Rep. Blaine Wilhour against Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. 

The lawsuit was filed after Wilhour and eight other Republicans were asked to leave the House floor last week when they didn't mask up. One of the nine legislators refused to leave and she eventually was allowed to stay. The others were given the option of participating remotely.

The uneven enforcement of the mask rule is among the reasons for Wilhour's lawsuit. The suit was filed in the home county of Thomas DeVore, a Greenville attorney who has been the counsel for many fighting mask battles, individuals as well as school districts. 

The other House members asked to leave the House chamber included local State Representative Adam Niemerg of Dieterich as well as area St. Reps. Chris Miller  of Oakland and Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville.

The legislative session was adjourned on Friday, but is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.