Yingling Supports Measures to Expand Gun Safety Laws

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – To crack down on the dangerous usage of firearms, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, helped pass legislation that expands Illinois’ “Red Flag” laws, which keeps guns out of the hands of those who may be a danger to themselves or others.

“With the amount of gun violence we see throughout our state, it is important that there are avenues for residents to prevent guns from reaching those who may use them to cause harm,” said Yingling. “I am proud to support this legislation that will increase safety in our community while also not infringing on the rights of safe, responsible gun owners.”

In 2019, the Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) Act was put into place to allow family members to petition the courts to prohibit an individual from having access to guns if they may be a harm to themselves or others. To expand on this law, Yingling voted in favor of House Bill 1092, which creates a public awareness campaign about FROs, trains law enforcement on how to handle FROs, and allows additional individuals to petition the court for a FRO.

Yingling has fought to promote safe gun legislation during his time in the General Assembly. He helped pass the legislation that created the Firearms Restraining Order Act in 2018. Yingling has also backed legislation that would strengthen gun laws regarding high-capacity magazines, banning bump stocks, and raising the age to purchase assault weapons, among other ways.

“With the potential danger they pose, it is important that we are working to improve safety through commonsense gun laws,” said Yingling. “While much progress has been made over the past few years, there is still more that can be done. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Springfield and with my constituents to find solutions and make our community a safer place.”