Rep. Carroll Continues Fight for Extended Gun Waiting Period Legislation Blocked by Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Buffalo Grove, passed legislation on Wednesday that would extend the waiting period when purchasing all guns to 72 hours and close the “gun show” loophole after the legislation was vetoed and amended by the governor.

“The governor blocked these gun reforms and then his office said he would sign them. Our children can’t wait while Governor Rauner plays games,” said Carroll. “Increasing the waiting period to at least 72 hours when purchasing any firearm was fueled by the energy of students, moms, family members and activists, many of whom are new to the political process, but tired of witnessing a new tragedy unfold every week. Today’s progress belongs to them as much as anyone.”

Carroll’s original measure, House Bill 1468, increased the waiting period to buy an assault weapon from 24 to 72 hours and also closed the gun show loophole. The gun show loophole allows no waiting period for non-Illinois residents who bought an assault weapon at a gun show. The governor’s amendatory veto extended the waiting period to at least 72 hours for all guns bought in Illinois, but would re-establish the gun show loophole. Carroll responded by offering amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3256 so that it included the governor’s language of extending the waiting period for all guns to at least 72 hours and his original language to close the gun show loophole. Under the legislation, all gun dealers would have to delay delivery of a purchased fire arm to the customer to at least 72 hours.

“The recent Santa Fe High School shooting in Texas marked the 101st mass shooting of 2018, meaning we have averaged five mass shootings per week this year,” Carroll continued. “That is unconscionable. Today we showed that we refuse to accept gun violence as another fact of life that we have no control over.”

Carroll’s amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3256 now goes to the governor for approval.