Legislative Category

There are many pieces of federal and state legislation that will create sensible gun laws. 

Federal

Calls to our U.S. Senator’s DC offices are recommended. Simple say you are with United Power for Action and Justice and that you urge the Senator to support the above two bills. Details on the bills are below.

Senator Richard Durbin: (202)-224-2152

Senator Mark Kirk: (202)-224-2854

S.54, the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013

This bill, co-sponsored by Illinois Senators Kirk and Durbin, prohibits the trafficking and straw purchase of firearms, with violators facing up to 15 years imprisonment or 25 years imprisonment if the defendant knew or had reasonable cause to believe that any firearm involved would be used to commit a crime of violence.  The bill also toughens penalties for those who possess firearms in violation of existing law or who sell firearms to those prohibited purchasers.

S.374, the Fix Gun Checks Act of 2013

The bill, sponsored by New York Senator Charles E. Schumer, would require that all gun sales be subject to a background check and would close the “private sale loophole.” Around 40 percent of U.S. gun transfers are conducted by unlicensed “private sellers” who are not required to conduct a federal check, and who often do business at gun shows and on the Internet – indicating that about 6.6 million guns are transferred in the U.S. every year with no background check for the buyer.

State

HB 1143/SB 1171 Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act

Sponsored by Senator Kotowski and Representative Cassidy, the bill requires background checks for all gun sales, including those in the private or secondary market. 

HB 2592 Prevention of Gun Trafficking Act

Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms

Requires any person whose firearm is lost or stolen to report the theft or loss of the firearm to State Police within 48 hours of the time he/she knew or reasonably should have known of the loss or theft. The bill would criminalize the false reporting of a lost or stolen firearm, and authorize the Department to revoke the FOID card of any person who fails to comply.

Firearms Dealer Licensing

Requires any person engaged in the business of selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring firearms or ammunition to obtain an IL dealer permit. The legislation requires a background investigation of the applicant for the dealer permit and any employee that will have access to firearms or ammunition. Current businesses have 90 days to apply; dealers must renew every 5 years. Prohibits straw purchasing. The Department may revoke the permit for dealer in violation of the law.

Point of Sale Registration

Requires every person in Illinois to register each firearm he/she owns or possesses. A person purchasing a new firearm must register at point of sale. Applicants for registration must provide personal information, photo, thumbprint, and info about firearm.