Edly-Allen Joins Effort to Close Firearms Loopholes, Prevent Gun Violence

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In the wake of the tragic workplace shooting that took place in Aurora, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville is supporting a safety and reform measure supported by the Illinois State Police and law enforcement community to close loopholes in the Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) card process to prevent individuals with a violent criminal record from obtaining firearms.

“We must be proactive in closing loopholes in gun licensing to prevent tragedies like Aurora from happening again,” said Edly-Allen. “I’m supporting this commonsense reform to ensure that FOID card applicants undergo a comprehensive background check and share information in real time with law enforcement to help protect our families.”

Edly-Allen backed Senate Bill 1966, known as Fix the FOID Act, that would require fingerprinting for all FOID applicants and renewals similar to that required of concealed carry applicants, enact universal background checks for all firearm transfers, streamline and strengthen the revocation process to ensure law enforcement removes firearms from individuals who have lost their privileges, as well as require FOID renewal every five years.

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