Hernandez Passes Gun Safety Measure to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Women living with, or formerly involved with, a potentially-violent partner will have more legal options following a law passed by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, which, among other things, expands Illinois’ firearms restraining order program.

“In countless homes across our state, women are living under the threat of a potentially-violent partner with a gun,” Hernandez said. “Far too often, many of these situations end in preventable tragedy. As a representative of our community and an advocate for women everywhere, it is my job to act. I am happy to say that this new law should bring us closer to eliminating the danger of domestic violence and restoring safe living situations for thousands of women.”

House Bill 1092 has multiple provisions to crack down on gun violence, specifically in the forms of domestic violence and suicide. The legislation mandates the creation of an awareness program to ensure the general public is aware of the option of firearms restraining orders. It also funds an order of protection training program for law enforcement to inform them of the details of the appropriate implementation of the orders. Finally, House Bill 1092 permits certain family members, including spouses and those who share a child, to petition for an order in any county where there is cause to believe subjects pose an immediate danger of injury to themselves or others. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed this legislation into law in mid-August.

“The epidemic of gun violence in Illinois takes many forms, and this law will address two: domestic violence and suicide. However, there are more problems we have to deal with,” Hernandez said. “I plan to continue to fight gun violence with all the legislative tools I have. Allowing such a critical issue to fester while thousands of women are unsafe in their own homes is not an option.”

 

# # #