Our Position in Brief:
The League supports legislative controls to stop the proliferation of private
ownership of handguns and their irresponsible use. The League advocates restricting access to
semi-automatic assault type weapons.
Full Statement of Where We Stand on Gun Violence Prevention
League Activity/Outlook:
The League believes that criminals should not be allowed to possess guns. Convicted felons, domestic abusers, and those with dangerous mental illnesses are among those currently prohibited from buying or owning guns. However, the lack of consistent laws means that criminals still do obtain guns.
Over two years ago during the 94th General Assembly, Illinois closed the gun show loophole by passing Senate Bill 1333, a bill that required background checks for transfer or sales conducted at gun shows. Because of that law, the Illinois State Police estimate that hundreds of prohibited transfers are prevented each year. People who legally should not be allowed to purchase weapons were denied them based upon a background check conducted at a gun show.
The only remaining category that does not currently require a background check in Illinois is the private sale transfer. Unfortunately this accounts for nearly 40% of all transfers in Illinois.
In the current legislative session Representative Harry Osterman has introduced House Bill 48 that would require a background check on private gun sales. HB 48 is the natural extension of the gun show background check legislation that was so strongly supported in 2005 and is equally as vital. Call today and ask your state representative to sign on as a co-sponsor.
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