Hirschauer Receives GPAC Award for Gun Violence Prevention Work

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Highlighting impactful advancements in public safety and preventative violence legislation, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was awarded the 2025 Profile in Courage Award from the Gun Violence Prevention PAC (GPAC) Wednesday, October 15.

“Gun safety and gun ownership are not at odds. They go hand in hand. We all share the same goal—keeping firearms out of the wrong hands and preventing tragedies before they happen,” said Hirschauer. “I’m honored to be recognized by such a supportive organization that is steadfast in creating safer communities for our families and children.”

Hirschauer has led significant firearm reform in the Illinois General Assembly as the House Gun Violence Prevention Chair. Earlier this year, the Hirschauer-led Karina’s Bill (House Bill 4144) was passed into law, protecting survivors of domestic violence by ensuring firearms are removed when an order of protection is issued—preventing incidents from turning deadly. Hirschauer also led the passage of the Safe Storage Act (Senate Bill 8), first-of-its-kind legislation that codifies firearm storage so weapons are inaccessible to minors, individuals in crisis and those prohibited under Illinois or federal law from having one. The measure also strengthens firearm reporting (House Bill 850). Studies show that states with similar laws decreased unintentional shootings by children by 78% and the movement of illegal guns in communities by 46%.

“We all have an integral role in reforming our laws that can allow violent offenders to slip through the cracks. Together, we’re building a future where gun violence is no longer normalized, but stopped,” said Hirschauer. “Thank you to GPAC for this award and for shining a light on the urgent need for policy change. Action and advocacy work, and this award is a testament to GPAC’s continued drive toward positive progress for our communities.”