Rep. Barbara Hernandez Backed Gun Safety Reform Signed into Law

AURORA, Ill. – Illinois will have stronger gun safety protections under a new law supported by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, that was signed Monday to streamline and modernize Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards and concealed carry licenses.

“Too many families across Illinois have had to feel the horrible impact of losing a loved one to gun violence, and the situation calls for decisive legislative action to prevent further tragedy,” Hernandez said. “Right here in Aurora we are sadly familiar with what can happen when gun safety measures fail. Just two years ago, our community lost five lives in a mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company. This legislation could have prevented the shooter from carrying a firearm and ultimately stopped that tragedy.”

House Bill 562 modernizes a wide range of aspects about current FOID card and concealed carry licensing regulations with the goal of eliminating loopholes in gun safety legislation. Some of the changes include expanding background checks to all gun sales in the state, investing in trauma mental health programs and instating stronger identification factors for FOID cards such as fingerprints. This bill passed the legislature with strong support and was signed into law on Monday.

“The steps we are taking with this law undoubtedly make our community a safer place,” Hernandez said. “Ensuring people in our community are secure from the threat of gun violence is a priority for me. My goal is to make Illinois free of the danger of gun violence. This bill represents significant progress to making that goal a reality.”