If you’re a firearms enthusiast in Illinois right now, you may want to pay special attention to a new proposal submitted last month by State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D). The proposal, HB4715, is referred to in its text as the “Firearms Registration Act.”
Flying against the motion last fall that struck down Chicago’s 45-year-old firearms registry, this new proposal would establish mandatory registration for handguns and long guns alike. If the act were to pass, Illinois residents would need to register new guns as well as firearms acquired before its effective date.
In accordance with this proposal, Illinois residents wishing to purchase a new firearm must pass a background check, own a FOID (Firearms Ownership Identification) card, and apply for firearms registration certificate. If put into place, this new law would require personal sales to follow suit with background checks and registration certificates. If they don’t, it would be considered a class 2 felony.
Beyond firearms registration, the Firearms Registration Act proposal would also establish a new restriction for ammunition purchases. If this law were to go into effect, only those with registered firearms could purchase ammunition. Those who have legally registered firearms would be allowed only to purchase the types of ammunition deemed suitable for their specific registered guns.
You can keep track of the bill’s status by following the Illinois General Assembly website link here.
Featured image courtesy of contributor shippee via istockphoto.com
