Didech Introduces Measure Modernizing Firearm Background Check Process

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to keeping deadly weapons out of the wrong hands, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, introduced legislation that would allow the Illinois State Police (ISP) to review public social media account feeds for content that would suggest someone may be a danger to themselves or overall public safety if they were to possess a firearm.

“In an increasingly online world, we must have an open discussion about the tools law enforcement may use to keep our communities and our children safe,” Didech said. “This legislation would modernize the tools available to help law enforcement by allowing them to determine whether a person seeking to obtain a firearm is showing signs of violence toward themselves or their community online.”

Didech is leading the charge on House Bill 888, which would allow the ISP to review an individual’s public social media feed to determine whether there is any information that would  prevent them from obtaining or maintaining a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card.

Currently, FOID holders must, among other criteria, have not been convicted of a felony or domestic battery, not be addicted to narcotics, and not have been a patient in a mental health facility in the last five years. Taking into account the prominent role social media platforms have in a person’s life, Didech’s legislation would also allow the ISP to review publicly available content when conducting a standard background check. 

“Standing up to Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association’s extreme agendas requires us to take a serious look at current policies and look for changes that can be made to end the epidemic of gun violence in our country,” Didech said. “My hope is that this legislation advances a conversation about the actionable steps we can take to make our communities, schools, and places of worship safer. The stakes are too high for us to sit on the sidelines.”

To get in touch with Didech’s full-time constituent service office, please call 847-478-9909 or email info@repdidech.com.