In an effort to improve public safety and reduce incidences of gun violence in Illinois, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has filed legislation that will help keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who have been deemed a public safety threat, have made threats of terrorism, or have been charged with an act of terrorism. The bill was unveiled at a press conference held at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago on Thursday.
HB 6588 protects the rights of lawful citizens while strengthening provisions of the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Act to as it pertains to rejecting or revoking the credentials of individuals who have been identified as a clear risk to the safety of others. “We have all been devastated repeatedly by the massacres at the Pulse nightclub, in San Bernardino, at Sandy Hook Elementary, at Mother Emanuel AME Church, at Cole Hall at NIU in DeKalb and dozens of other places around the country, “ said bill sponsor State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago). “I’m glad that in Illinois we have found a bi-partisan way forward to make sure that persons who pose clear threats to the community cannot no longer buy or possess firearms”
The bill’s Chief Co-Sponsor Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein) praised the legislation and said that as a lawful gun owner himself, he supports the bill because he believes it will save lives. “The Second Amendment is an important part of our Constitution, and HB 6588 does not diminish that right for any individual who wishes to conduct themselves within the framework of our laws,” said HB 6588 Chief Co-Sponsor Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein). “This bipartisan bill takes aim at gun violence in ways that could prevent tragedies like that which occurred earlier this month in Orlando and at Northern Illinois University a few years ago from happening ever again.”
State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove), who also serves as a Chief Co-Sponsor of the bill, calls HB 6588 a proactive measure that helps keep guns out of the hands of individuals who wish to cause harm to others. “I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, but I also favor efforts that help ensure that only law abiding citizens have access to firearms,” said Sandack. “Every Illinois family deserves to feel safe, and this bill is a very fair method for maximizing public safety while preserving Constitutional rights.”
