In an effort to further ensure the safety of all residents in the state of Illinois, state Reps. Greg Harris ( D-Chicago ) and Ed Sullivan ( R-Mundelein ) have introduced new legislation that would ban people who have conveyed threats of terrorism or been charged with terrorism offenses from obtaining Firearm Owner Identification ( FOID ) cards.
"It is important to prevent people who have made terrorist threats, or are a clear and present danger to themselves and others, from being able to purchase firearms," Harris said in a statement. "We are facing new threats and we need to find new ways to prevent tragedies.
House Bill 6588 was introduced June 21 with a bipartisan list of more than two dozen co-sponsors.
What follows is the complete press release:
Bipartisan Illinois Legislation Introduced To Prohibit Firearm Possession by Potential Terrorists
In the wake of Orlando, Charleston, Sandy Hook and San Bernardino tragedies, a bipartisan group of legislators has introduced legislation to keep firearms out of the hands of suspected terrorists, persons with severe mental illness, domestic abusers and convicted felons.
The effort is led by Assistant House Minority Leader Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein), and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago). It would prohibit persons who have conveyed threats of terrorism or been charged with terrorism offenses from obtaining Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) cards, and require the revocation of existing FOID cards and the transfer of firearms in the possession of those who become ineligible because of severe mental illness diagnosis, domestic violence convictions or conveying terrorist threats.
This legislation was developed in cooperation with the Illinois State Police. It includes due process provisions for administrative and judicial appeal of any adverse decisions.
"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 Rep. Harris. "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 buy or possess firearms"
"Lawful gun owners understand that those that convey threats of terrorism or those that have severe mental illness should not have access to firearms. This bi-partisan legislation will save lives by denying firearms to such people while also affording due process, through administrative and judicial review, should a person have their FOID card denied or revoked," said Leader Ed Sullivan
The bill House Bill 6588 was introduced on June 21, 2016 with a bipartisan list of over 2 dozen co-sponsors.
