Didech Backs Major Gun Safety Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to stopping senseless violence from taking place in communities across Illinois, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is sponsoring legislation that will modernize gun safety laws and the tools available to law enforcement, and close a loophole that the Aurora gunman exploited to get his hands on a firearm, resulting in the death of five coworkers.

“The tragedy in Aurora, Illinois showed us the desperate need for improving the tools available for law enforcement to keep our communities safe,” Didech said. “This legislation is a necessary step that will improve background checks, invest in mental health, and prevent criminals from getting their hands on a firearm.”

Didech is backing Senate Bill 1966, which would make various reforms including putting in place universal background checks on all firearm transfers. The Didech-backed legislation would make mandatory background checks more stringent by closing the person-to-person background check loophole and requiring all transactions to go through federally licensed dealers. The measure also requires mandatory fingerprinting for all FOID applications and renewals; increases the time period for initial FOID applications from 30 days to 30 business days; clarifies when a FOID card can be revoked due to someone taking any actions that causes harm to others; ensures law enforcement can share information of individuals who have had their FOID revoked by creating a Law Enforcement Prohibited Persons Portal; and creates a fund to provide grants for in school mental health services.

“As gun violence continues to plague our state and nation, we are proud advocates of the Fix the FOID Act that would prohibit people with violent criminal histories from buying guns,” said Kathleen Sances, president and CEO of the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC). “We stand by state Rep. Daniel Didech and more than 170 organizations who have joined a coalition to put a stop to preventable tragedies, like the recent shooting in Aurora, Illinois.”