Manley-Backed Bill Protecting Children from Dangerous Firearm Marketing Practices Signed into Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Firearm manufacturers will no longer be able to advertise guns to children due to a measure backed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, which was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker last week.

“Guns are not toys, they are dangerous weapons that should only be in the hands of law-abiding citizens and have no business being advertised to children,” said Manley. “With the rise in gun violence over the past few years, it is more important than ever that we are keeping guns out of the wrong hands.”

From 2019 to 2021, the number of children and teens killed by gunfire in the United States has increased by 50%, according to the Pew Research Center and Center for Disease Control. In order to keep minors away from guns, Manley voted to pass House Bill 218, which prohibits gun manufacturers from using marketing practices that encourage minors to use or own a firearm, such as using cartoons or stuffed animals. The bill also bans marketing material that encourages paramilitary or unlawful private militia activity.

In order to tackle the recent rise in gun violence, Manley has worked to curb the proliferation of dangerous and illegal firearms and gun modifications. Earlier this year, she helped pass legislation banning the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and other equipment that makes guns deadlier. Last year, Manley worked to crack down on the distribution of the untraceable and homemade “ghost guns”, stopping those who look to evade state and federal gun laws.

“Every day, communities in our state and around the country are being impacted by gun violence,” said Manley. “We cannot sit by and allow more lives to be lost and more families to be ripped apart by guns. We must continue to look for solutions that keep our communities safe from gun violence while protecting the rights of responsible gun owners.”