Rep. Harper Promotes Gun Safety Bill to License Gun Dealers in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is leading the charge to license gun dealers in Illinois in an effort to increase public safety and enhance responsible gun ownership.

“At a time when Chicago’s gun violence is on the rise, we have to be smarter about how people obtain guns and ensure that weapons do not fall into the wrong hands, causing mayhem,” Harper said. “My legislation would accomplish that, by asking gun dealers to become licensed in order to continue engaging in firearm transactions.”

Harper is sponsoring Senate Bill 1657, which creates the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. This measure would require any entity that engages in the selling, leasing and transferring of firearms to be licensed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Responsibility (IDFPR). If entities or dealers fail to register or refuse to do so, the bill details appropriate repercussions. Harper believes this measure will promote safer and responsible sales of firearms and provide a barrier for those who seek to illegally obtain guns.

“This is a common-sense measure that asks people or entities who conduct gun transactions to be licensed to do so,” said Harper. “If someone becomes licensed then they can responsibly sell firearms to willing buyers. If not, then they will be prohibited from engaging in future transactions, allowing sellers who adhere to the law to continue their business.”