The ongoing failures of the FOID card system in Illinois are being perpetuated by legislation signed into law by the Governor on Aug. 2.
Senator Fowler says House Bill 562 has been touted as a compromise when it actually further hinders a citizen’s Second Amendment rights and places law-abiding gun owners at the mercy of an outdated and overwhelmed system. Adding another layer of bureaucracy punishes law-abiding gun owners in Illinois for the actions of criminals.
House Bill 562 will:
- Require person-to-person firearms transfers to be subject to NICS at a federal licensed firearms dealer or through online validation by Illinois State Police using NICS.
- Require a transferee to provide a record of a private transfer of a firearm to an FFL within 10 days of sale, and requires FFLs to keep the record of transfer for 20 years. On the demand of a peace officer, transferees have to identify the FFL dealer maintaining the transfer record or face the possibility of a Class A misdemeanor. The seller still has to maintain a record of transfer for 10 years.
- Require an individual to submit fingerprints in order to receive auto renewal of their FOID card and CCL license.
Most changes in House Bill 562 take effect Jan. 1, with the exception of the universal background checks, which will take effect in January 2024.