(The Center Square) – It’s a mixed bag for an Illinois gun rights group for several bills expected to be discussed in a Senate committee Thursday.
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.
