Carroll: New Measure Will Help Keep Guns Out of the Wrong Hands

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – A new piece of legislation recently filed by state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Buffalo Grove, would require those wishing to obtain or renew their Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) cards to provide an electronic copy of their fingerprints along with their application.

“Gun violence has reached an alarming level.  For the safety of our children, families, friends and neighbors, I have to say enough is enough.  The time has come for true commonsense reform on our gun laws,” said Carroll.  “While it seems that our federal government has chosen to turn a blind eye to this issue, I am ready to begin the tough conversations necessary to create sound policy that will keep Illinoisans safer.”

Carroll’s measure, House Bill 4700, would require gun owners to provide their fingerprints at the time of issuance or renewal of their FOID cards.  Serving as both a means of identity verification and a criminal history check, these fingerprints would then be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and vetted for criminal history to further ensure the safety and security of gun ownership.

“Criminal history checks on those trying to gain access to firearms is commonsense, and will help to ensure a higher level of public safety,” continued Carroll.  “Through this legislation, I’m taking action to provide law enforcement with additional intelligence, through fingerprinting, that would help to keep guns out of the hands of those with criminal backgrounds.”