Bristow Passes Legislation to Expand Rights of Responsible Gun Owners in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Law-abiding gun owners will see much-needed relief from burdensome regulations under legislation passed by state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, on Monday which would ease the application process for a Firearm Owner Identification Card (FOID) and concealed carry licenses and providing additional aid to members of the military and law enforcement.

“These are simple changes that will greatly reduce the consistent burdens that Chicago politicians continue to try and place on law-abiding gun owners in Illinois,” said Bristow. “This package helps to cut the red tape that has been placed on gun owners who are following the law in Illinois, including members of the military and our police officers, who have already undergone extensive training on handling a gun.”

Bristow’s Senate Bill 1139 passed on Monday with bipartisan support in the House would:

• Extend the life of renewed concealed carry licenses, by setting the new expiration date five years from the expiration of the previous license as opposed to five years from the renewal application date. This will ensure that applicants do not lose time on their license simply from renewing earlier.
• Exempt the World Shooting Complex at Sparta from recent restrictive firearm dealer licensing requirements.
• Clarify that qualified current and retired law enforcement members in Illinois are exempt from concealed carry restrictions under federal law.
• Allow off-duty law enforcement members to carry a concealed firearm while hunting.
• Allow military members to apply for a FOID or a concealed carry license when they are 18, rather than requiring the permission of a parent or guardian.

 “I am proud to have led the fight for this legislation to reduce the burden that have been placed on citizens in Illinois that choose to own a firearm and follow the law,” said Bristow. “As a steadfast supporter of the Second Amendment, I will continue to stand up for our constitutional rights and advocate for smart policies that support responsible gun owners in Illinois.”