Hernandez Backs Measure to Close FOID Card Loopholes that Led to Aurora Shooting

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to the tragic mass shooting earlier this year in Aurora, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is supporting legislation to improve background checks through the use of fingerprinting and to help the Illinois State Police process and follow up FOID revocations for felons.

“Our community experienced an unthinkable tragedy at the hands of a man who should not have legally been able to own a gun,” said Hernandez. “Because of loopholes in the FOID card system, this man was able to legally purchase a gun and devastate 12 families right here in our home town. This legislation is critical to protecting our families and preventing senseless acts of gun violence from devastating our communities in the future. I am proud to support this legislation, and I will continue to work for stronger gun safety laws to ensure that no community must endure the pain and loss we experienced in Aurora.”

Hernandez is supporting Senate Bill 1966, also known as the Fix the FOID Act, which strengthens existing gun safety laws to prevent violent criminals from obtaining a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card. The legislation also streamlines the firearm revocation process for law enforcement to ensure that guns do not remain in one’s possession after his or her FOID card has been suspended or revoked. The FOID application free would also be raised, with dollars allocated toward mental health services and revocation services. The measure has received the backing of the Illinois State Police and gun safety advocates.

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