ILLINOIS

Anti-gun Bills Introduced in the Land of Lincoln

Efforts are under way in Illinois to revive legislation (HB 180) establishing a state-based licensing system for all FFLs that sell handguns. This would cover the vast majority of FFL holders in the state. Rep. Deborah Graham yesterday also introduced an exact copy of this legislation (HB 5734), seemingly seeking another opportunity to pass this anti-business bill. Specifically, the legislation would allow the state police to fully regulate licensees and deny permit applications arbitrarily under a "may-issue" system. The legislation would also allow the state police to register all firearm purchases and conduct record checks of FFLs.

Firearms Microstamping has been introduced in the state senate (SB 3425) by Sen. Dan Kotowski. Microstamping is a patented process that laser engraves the firearm's make, model and serial number on the tip of the gun's firing pin so that, in theory, it imprints the information on discharged cartridge cases. Three independent studies to examine the patented, sole-sourced technology of firearms microstamping have concluded that the technology should not be mandated.

Letters of opposition are being drafted for NSSF and the Illinois Association of Firearms Retailers for both bills. NSSF will also be issuing a legislative alert urging all sportsmen and gun owners to voice their opposition to these anti-gun / anti-business bills.