|
The Illinois Senate Executive Committee aims to take up a
measure in Senate Bill 8 that Illinois State Rifle Association’s
Ed Sullivan said goes too far by requiring safe storage wherever
they are, be it at home, at their place of business or even a
vehicle.
“This bill is so onerous as it relates to individual gun owners
being charged, but also civilly charged,” Sullivan told The
Center Square. “This is really about tripping up gun owners, and
it’s really onerous … and, quite frankly, we believe
unconstitutional.”
Supporters of the safe storage bill like One Aim Illinois say
the measure is needed to keep firearms out of the hands of
children or at-risk individuals.
“Safe At Home [legislation] will promote more responsible gun
ownership by improving safe gun storage practices and ensuring
that lost and stolen guns are promptly reported to law
enforcement authorities,” said Robert Emmons Jr., organizing
consultant for One Aim Illinois.
Another measure, Senate Bill 1899, set to be discussed would
create a diversionary program for first-time nonviolent weapons
offenders. Sullivan said the ISRA supports that measure.
“Those are the folks that, you know, feel scared in their
neighborhood, have a firearm, but fail to get a FOID card. So
it’s a felony but it’s a nonviolent felony,” Sullivan said.
Illinois banned the sale and possession of more than 170
semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities in
January 2023. The law remains in effect despite court
challenges.
Part of the gun ban requires those who own firearms from before
the law took effect to register them with Illinois State Police.
ISP hasn’t published updated registration statistics since Jan.
31, 2024. Analysis shows a very low compliance rate.
“The diversion program also could be used for somebody that may
not have registered a semiautomatic firearm and gets pinched for
it. So this is something that can help our members,” Sullivan
said.
The Illinois Senate Executive Committee meets Thursday afternoon
at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. |
|
