Gill Backs Effort to Make Forest Preserve Districts Safer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, has joined an effort to clarify the state’s concealed carry law to ensure forest preserve districts have the ability to prohibit firearms at specific locations, as well as at public and private events that take place on forest preserve grounds.

“Forest preserves are often home to large gatherings for birthday parties and other functions that use pavilions and similar spaces,” Gill said. “We want to make sure people can enjoy these places safely, and this proposal helps ensure that forest preserve districts that manage the space are able to develop and enforce responsible rules related to firearms.”

Gill is cosponsoring House Bill 3791, which clarifies that the state’s concealed carry law does not prohibit forest preserve districts from barring firearms at nature preserves, golf courses, athletic venues, parking lots, picnic pavilions, boating centers, campgrounds and other specific grounds managed by the district. House Bill 3791 also applies to public or private gatherings and special events on forest preserve district properties that require a permit.

If passed, the proposal would help address constitutional questions regarding forest preserve districts and Illinois’ concealed carry law language.

“This measure would bring needed specificity for forest preserve districts and for concealed carry holders,” Gill said. “We want our public spaces to be safe, and when needed it’s important that we take the steps necessary to update the law to ensure it works appropriately.” 

For more information, please contact RepMaryGill@gmail.com.