Carroll Sponsors Major Gun Safety Reform to Modernize FOID Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, is supporting legislation that modernizes the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Act to protect law enforcement and keep our communities safe.

“With the tragedies in Aurora and throughout our state, it is clear we need to update our gun laws to help prevent future tragedies,” said Carroll. “My legislation will help bring our gun laws into the 21st century and provide better processes to keep people safe.”

The Carroll-backed Senate Bill 1966 aims to overhaul the FOID system by closing existing loopholes in response to the Aurora shooting earlier this year. The reforms include mandatory finger printing for all FOID applications, universal background checks for gun transfers, a stronger revocation process for law enforcement to confiscate guns from people who lose their privileges and establishes a five-year renewal mandate. Higher fees from FOID applications will be contributed to revocation services and mental health services.

Carroll’s bill is supported by gun safety advocates, including the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention PAC, and recently passed an important House committee vote for further consideration on the House floor.

“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 Rep. Carroll and more than 170 organizations who have joined a coalition to put a stop to preventable tragedies, like the recent shooting in Aurora, Illinois.”