New Illinois Firearm Business Directory Launched

GunRights4Illinois.com has launched a new business directory, sponsored by Alpha Koncepts Firearm Training, specifically for businesses within the firearm industry or other businesses which may benefit firearm owners.  The business directory includes firearm dealers, firearm instructors, gunsmiths, attorneys, and more.

The business directory is absolutely free to use, including free to list your business.  Feel free to list your business today, or to find your new dealer or new gunsmith or build a relationship with a new attorney today!

 

Visit: http://www.gunrights4illinois.com/business-directory/

Right to Carry, not Right to be a Jackass

A recent study by the Crime Prevention Research Center shows that people with concealed carry licenses are truly the MOST law abiding citizens in the United States. However in every bunch there are bad apples.

While Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses currently (September 14th, 2016) hover around 250,000 people licensed to carry a concealed firearm in Illinois, and revocations are around 250 as of August 2015, that is a rate of less than .001 or 0.1%! Of those 250 revoked, some of the people mentioned on this page have chosen to become revoked in a spectacular manner.

When you have gone through the proper training and when you have paid the proper fees to the government, and when you have receive your permission slip; you have the right to carry a concealed firearm.  While the laws of different states certainly will vary, no state that I am aware of gives you the right to be a jackass with your concealed carry license.

Continue reading Right to Carry, not Right to be a Jackass

How to Sell a Gun in Illinois

How to Sell a Gun in Illinois

The process to sell a gun in Illinois is fairly straightforward but does requires some hoops to jump through.  You can not simply sell the gun to anyone off the street, and does require the same waiting period as if you were to buy a gun from a licensed dealer. Nothing within this posting is to be considered legal advice and all questions should be directed to your criminal defense attorney.

The process for private party purchases of guns in Illinois requires the same waiting period as buying a gun from a dealer. Continue reading How to Sell a Gun in Illinois

Is it Illegal for kids to have Guns?

A common thought is that it is illegal for kids to have guns. But is it true? Jurisdictions and circumstances would dictate the legality of a child being in possession of a firearm, but in Illinois in general it is not illegal for kids to have guns.

One considering giving access of a firearm to a minor must be aware of the laws governing when this may be legal. When in doubt, legal advice should be sought from an attorney. This article is not legal advise, nor is the author an attorney.  However the information found within this writing has been gathered from various Illinois laws which govern firearm possession (linked below).

Many gun owners would tell you that you should teach a child young, to respect a firearm. After all we teach our children not to play with knives or lighters or stick things in electrical sockets. I will tell you that even if you are against the thought of owning a gun you should teach your child basic firearms safety rules.

Stop.

Don’t touch.

Tell an Adult.

Continue reading Is it Illegal for kids to have Guns?

Switch blade knives are now legal in Illinois… Kinda

Switch blade knives are now legal in Illinois, well sort of. With this being Illinois there are some hoops one must jump through to own a switch blade.  Registered gun owners (FOID) are now legal to own switch blade knives which was passed into law August 11th 2017.

Senate Bill 607, uniquely titled “CRIM CD-SWITCHBLADES“, has become Public Act 100-0082. This bill passed both houses and was sent to the governor on June 16th and was approved by Governor Bruce Rauner on August 11th 2017.

The synopsis of the act…

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides an exemption from the prohibition on sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, or carrying of a switchblade knife to a person who possesses a currently valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card previously issued in his or her name by the Department of State Police or to a person or an entity engaged in the business of selling or manufacturing switchblade knives.

After examination of the text, we see the addition of the following text…

 (2) The provision of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of
this Section prohibiting the sale, manufacture, purchase,
possession, or carrying of any knife, commonly referred to
as a switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens
automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring
or other device in the handle of the knife, does not apply
to a person who possesses a currently valid Firearm Owner’s
Identification Card previously issued in his or her name by
the Department of State Police or to a person or an entity
engaged in the business of selling or manufacturing
switchblade knives.

Switch Blade Knife

Please note that though Public Act 100-0082 is listed on the Illinois General Assembly (ILGA) website, the Unlawful Use of Weapons statute, also on the ILGA website has not yet been updated (August 14th, 2017 12:40 PM). Nothing in the law preempts local ordinance. Links are provided below for your review. Nothing on this page is legal advice, please consult your attorney with specific questions.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=607&GAID=14&SessionID=91&LegID=100589&fref=gc

 

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=100-0082&fref=gc

 

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K24-1

 

Ruger Mark IV Safety Recall

Ruger recently discovered that all Mark IV™ pistols (including 22/Ruger 22/45 Lite45™ models) manufactured prior to June 1, 2017 have the potential to discharge unintentionally if the safety is not utilized correctly. In particular, if the trigger is pulled while the safety lever is midway between the “safe” and “fire” positions (that is, the safety is not fully engaged or fully disengaged), then the pistol may not fire when the trigger is pulled. However, if the trigger is released and the safety lever is then moved from the mid position to the “fire” position, the pistol may fire at that time.

 

Although only a small percentage of pistols appear to be affected and we are not aware of any injuries, Ruger is firmly committed to safety and would like to retrofit all potentially affected pistols with an updated safety mechanism.

 

Until your Mark IV™ pistol has been retrofitted or you verify that it is not subject to the recall, we strongly recommend that you not use your pistol.

 

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PISTOL NEEDS THE RETROFIT

 

All Mark IV™ pistols produced prior to June 1, 2017 are potentially affected and therefore are being recalled. This includes Mark IV™

Target, Hunter, Competition, 22/45™, 22/45™ Lite and 22/45™ Tactical models. These models bear serial numbers beginning with “401” (2017

models) or “WBR” (2016 models). Mark I, Mark II™ and Mark III™ Pistols are NOT affected.

 

Newly manufactured Mark IV™ pistols will begin with serial number “500.” Thus, if you have a Mark IV™ or 22/45™pistol with a serial number beginning with the number “5,” your pistol is not subject to the recall.

Mark IV™ and 22/45™ pistols retrofitted with the updated safety mechanism are easily identified by the letter “S” in the white safety dot that is visible when the safety is engaged.

 

Visit the Mark IV™ Recall website at Ruger.com/MarkIVRecall to look up your serial number and verify if it is subject to the recall. Please have the unloaded pistol available when you visit the website and obtain the serial number directly from the pistol.

 

IF YOUR PISTOL IS AFFECTED

 

STEP 1: Follow the instructions at the Mark IV™ Recall Website and sign up for the recall. You will be asked to provide your name, address, telephone number, an e-mail address, and the serial number of your pistol.

 

STEP 2: You will be added to a list to have the retrofit installed on a first-come, first-served basis. In the next few weeks, you will receive a prepaid USPS box with a shipping label and detailed packaging and shipping instructions. Simply follow the instructions in your instruction manual to separate the barrel/receiver assembly and return the grip frame assembly to us in accordance with the shipping instructions.

 

STEP 3: We will install the updated safety mechanism, and return your grip frame assembly to you, all FREE of charge. Individual consumers will receive a FREE magazine (a $29.95 value) as a “thank you” for their patience and cooperation. (Customers in states with magazine shipping restrictions will receive a ShopRuger gift certificate in lieu of a magazine.) We will make every effort to return your pistol within one week of the day we receive it.

 

QUESTIONS?

• Visit the Ruger Mark IV™ Recall Website at Ruger.com/MarkIVRecall, which contains a variety of information and affords you a means of submitting unanswered questions to our customer service staff.

 

• Call the Mark IV™ Recall Hotline at 1-800-784-3701.

Springfield also Severs Ties with IFMA

A letter from Springfield Armory regarding the Gun Dealer Licensing fiasco…

The Executive Director of the Illinois Firearm Manufacturers Association (IFMA) acted without our prior knowledge and against our principles and those of the industry as a whole with respect to the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. We no longer have confidence in IFMA and after speaking to other directors we have made the decision to sever all ties with the organization, effective immediately.

I take full responsibility for my failure of oversight in this case and deeply apologize to my employees, customers and industry partners for the distraction and divisiveness this situation has caused within our tight-knit community. Our industry has always stood strong and fought fiercely together in the past and I am personally committed to defeating this harmful legislation. To that end, I have pledged to the NRA that we will bring the full resources of my company to bear in this fight.

We are not new to this battle, Springfield Armory has fought and defeated legislation like this in Illinois for decades. We are wholeheartedly against this bill and will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with the NRA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Illinois State Rifle Association and others to see it defeated as the unnecessary and harmful overreach that it is.

We want to assure all Americans, like us, who fight to protect the Second Amendment that we and our industry partners will leave no stone unturned to defeat this bill.

Stefany Reese, PR & Communications Manager
Springfield Armory, Inc.
stefanyr@springfield-armory.com
309-944-8994

Also see Rock River Arms Severs Ties with IFMA

Gun Dealer Licensing and the Great Betrayal

Rock River Arms Severs Ties with IFMA

After further review, Rock River Arms, Inc.® (RRA) is immediately severing all ties with the Illinois Firearms Manufacturers Association (IFMA).  We feel that IFMA’s integrity is compromised and we will not be a part of the organization. We trusted that contributions and resources provided to IFMA by RRA were being used to promote and uphold our 2 Amendment values. IFMA’s actions have destroyed that trust.

For more than twenty years, RRA has actively opposed gun control legislation at the local, state, and federal levels.  We have supported and provided monetary and product donations to multiple pro-gun and organizations including NRA, NSSF, ISRA and countless others.  We have attended rallies and spoken at educational events on behalf of gun owners’ rights.  Our employees have collected signatures, written letters and e-mails, called legislators’ offices, as well as attended events, meetings and hearings in Springfield, Illinois.

What we learned, however, was that we are better at manufacturing firearms and accessories than playing political games at the state capitol.  So, we began to utilize the services of lobbyists, first through other organizations and then in 2009, we partnered with several other manufacturers to form IFMA.

Prior to our further review, we believed that the organization had accurately represented us. We feel that IFMA’s actions have compromised its integrity. While their actions may be standard practices at the capitol, backdoor politics and convoluted deal-making are counter to the way we do business and lead our lives.

I sincerely apologize for my lack of direct engagement in IFMA’s  governance and subsequent actions, as well as the abandonment gun owners are feeling.

If you have any questions regarding, or need more information about, this statement or RRA’s position, please contact: Sarah Larson, RRA General Manager at 309-792-5780.

Thank you,

Chuck Larson
President/Owner
Rock River Arms, Inc.

Gun Dealer Licensing and the Great Betrayal

Yesterday the Illinois Senate passed the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. This bill is being sent to the Illinois House for concurrence, so it is not yet law. The Gun Dealer Licensing Act will force mom and pop gun shops out of business and will also create redundant licensing, since gun dealers are already licensed per federal law. The gun dealer licensing act would also limit how many firearms the private individual may transfer per year and also contains a carve out for manufacturers and big box gun corporate gun stores – forcing an unfair burden on small gun stores in Illinois.

If this bill passes out of the house, it will move onto Gov. Bruce Rauner. Many gun owners in Illinois hope, or even expect, that Rauner will veto this bill. Assuming this bill passes the house, this will be Rauner’s first real test on his stance for gun rights. Let us hope he does the right thing and blocks this terrible bill!

When we examine the witness slips to see which individuals and what organizations oppose or support any given bill, we see that the Illinois Firearm Manufacturer’s Association (IFMA) was neutral on the bill. In other words, they were not opposed to a bill that could potentially have a major effect on the operations of their group members. IFMA group members were offered a carve out, however, which is why IFMA dropped their opposition. The carve out would not place the same burden on many of IFMA’s members as it would on smaller “mom and pop” gun shops. Springfield Armory and Rock River Arms are major financial contributors to IFMA, and therefore are taking the brunt of the backlash for the lack of opposition from IFMA.

Later, Springfield Armory CEO released a statement which said in part that, “Will defend the 2nd Amendment,” however when given the opportunity to oppose an infringement on the 2nd Amendment rights of law abiding Illinois gun owners, the stance of IFMA was neutral. Nothing short of opposition to this bill is not defending the 2nd Amendment.

https://www.nraila.org/articles/20170427/illinois-senate-passes-legislation-that-will-close-gun-stores

 

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1657&GAID=14&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=104404&SessionID=91

 

Springfield Armory, Rock River Arms Trade Opposition to Illinois FFL Licensing Scheme for Carve-Out

Update: Also see…

Rock River Arms Severs Ties with IFMA

Springfield also Severs Ties with IFMA

Illinois Churches and Concealed Carry

I am proud to have been invited to speak at a local suburban church, where they are considering posting the “No Legal Guns” sign on their doors. Due to church politics, that invitation has been delayed/cancelled, however if my speech could be of assistance to anyone else, please read below…

 

Thank you for taking a minute to hear me out. I think we all want the same thing, especially the Peace and Justice Committee. We all want to be safe, however there is a difference between feeling safe and actually being safe. Placing the “No Legal Guns” sign actually could potentially have the opposite effect of creating a safe environment to worship.

As well as the opposite effect of safety, I want to point out the irony of the decision to consider posting of the “No Legal Guns” sign. This is ironic because we wouldn’t even have the ability to legally carry concealed firearms in Illinois if not for Mary Shepard. Mary was attacked at her place of work in September of 2009, which happened to be a church. The attacker was charged with attempted murder due to the beating that Mary and two of her co-workers endured, with Mary herself suffering skull and facial fractures from the attack and untold mental trauma as well.

While you may be thinking this is a fluke case or random act of violence, it is not. According to a study by the Crime Prevention Institute in 2016, 98% of mass shootings actually happen in supposed “gun free zones”. More specifically, churches and other places of worship are common targets for violence. There is a national database of Christian church shootings and upon examining this database, we see during the years of 1980 and 2005 there were 139 Church shootings in the United States. This created 185 needless deaths, including children. This data does not include any other attacks, such as arson, bombings or attacks on non-Christian places of worship, such as the Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin in 2012 or the attack on the Muslim mosque in Canada just a few weeks ago.

We also know that in December 2016, ISIS called for the attack of Christian churches in the United States. While people may think a gun free zone will keep them safe, it’s not likely ISIS or any other attacker intent on causing harm will obey the “No Legal Guns” sign or any sign for that matter.

While it’s not likely a criminal will obey the sign, who will? The law abiding gun owners who have gone about the legal process of getting trained, background checked, and carry their firearm in accordance with the law. The people who will obey the sign have no ill will and are members of your church.

Attackers will not disarm. The idea that an attacker will disarm is akin to the idea that a speeder will slow down based on the posted speed limit. The speed limit signs are spaced approximately 1,000-2,000 feet apart, yet are ignored by people who are intent on breaking the law: by speeding.

In other words, we are disarming the good guys but not the bad guys. How do we know they are the good guys? Well, a study in 2016 by the Crime Prevention Institute shows that those who are licensed to carry concealed firearms are actually THE most law abiding demographic in the entire United States, even more so than the police officers who are sworn to uphold the law.

In Illinois, to obtain a concealed carry license, the applicant has to achieve sixteen hours of training, which includes the safe operation of a firearm as well as having knowledge of gun laws. They must meet the following qualifications:

  • No warrants
  • Fewer than 2 DUIs
  • No violent convictions of any kind
  • No illegal drugs or narcotics
  • Not a danger to self or others
  • Zero felonies
  • Never been judged a mental defective
  • No mental health issues
  •  No history of domestic violence

This is a very high standard to meet! These are the people you will be keeping out of your church when you post the sign. So you know, these people are upstanding and honest citizens; the best of the best. What do you know about everyone else walking through those doors though?

There is also further data to support that people whom are legally carrying firearms have actually stopped attacks on churches. A law-abiding, legally-armed citizen stopped an attack on the New Life church in December of 2007, Freewill Baptist Church in March 2012, and the New Destiny Church in Aurora Colorado in 2012. This does not include the dozens of other mass shootings stopped by legally-armed civilians in non-church settings. Good guys with guns CAN stop bad guys with guns, and have proven to do so.

Remember, you’re not considering posting a “No Guns” sign, but a “No LEGAL Guns” sign. I hope that you will consider whom you will actually be keeping out of your building by posting these signs and hope that you actually consider whom you may actually be inviting.

Be good shepherds. Don’t invite the wolves into your flock.

Under current law, churches are not on the statutory gun free zone list, though in the past, bills have been submitted in the legislature to include places of worship. Those bills failed for the reasons mentioned above.

Any church with the “No Legal Guns” sign has posted voluntarily, or been forced through committee.

Transport your Firearm Legally in Illinois – Illinois State Police

Transporting your firearm legally in Illinois is sometimes a confusing topic, but it doesn’t have to be. There is much information that makes it easy to comply with the law to transport your firearm legally in Illinois. However the law does treat Illinois residents and non residents differently, so it is also important to know those differences. It is also important to know the legal differences between “Carry” and “Transportation” in Illinois. This article is not to be considered legal advice.

Transporting your Firearm Legally for Illinois Residents

Illinois residents must always have their Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card or their Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) on their person at all times when in possession of firearms and ammunition.

With your FOID, for transport, the firearm must either be..

  • Broken down in a non functioning state, OR
  • Not immediately Accessible, OR
  • Unloaded and enclosed in a case.

The following pamphlet was printed before Illinois allowed carrying of concealed firearms, however does clearly explain how one may transport you firearm legally in Illinois: Transporting-Your-Firearm-Legally-Illinois-State-Police Brochure

For an Illinois resident to carry a firearm, they must have a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License on their person and the firearm must be a hand gun as defined by the Illinois law.

 

Transporting your Firearm Legally for Illinois Non-Residents

The process for an Illinois non-resident to transport their firearm legally in Illinois is similar to that of a resident, however there are also some differences.  The first difference is that the non-resident does not need a FOID card. Infact most non residents aren’t even aware of what a FOID card is. Essentially it is a card that says you have passed a background check, similar to the National Instant Check System (NICS) that anyone who has bought a gun has underwent.  The difference is Illinois residents need this card on their person at all times they are in possession of firearms or ammunition, non residents do not.

For purposes of transportation, the non-resident must adhere to the above described criteria of broken down in a non functioning state, OR not immediately Accessible, OR unloaded and enclosed in a case.

It is important to note that the case does not need to be a separate case for the firearm and the ammunition. It is also important to note that the case(s) need not be locked. There is some mis-information surrounding this topic and I believe that confusion arises when we discuss the federal Firearm Owner Protection Act (FOPA) which states for federal transportation purposes the firearms and ammunition must be in separate locked cases.  Illinois does not have this requirement.

The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Licensing Act states:

(e) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a non-resident from transporting a concealed firearm within his or her vehicle in Illinois, if the concealed firearm remains within his or her vehicle and the non-resident:
(1) is not prohibited from owning or possessing a
firearm under federal law;
(2) is eligible to carry a firearm in public under
the laws of his or her state or territory of residence, as evidenced by the possession of a concealed carry license or permit issued by his or her state of residence, if applicable; and
(3) is not in possession of a license under this Act.
If the non-resident leaves his or her vehicle unattended, he or she shall store the firearm within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 65 of this Act.

 

What about Carrying of a Concealed Firearm in Illinois?

As previously stated, in the eyes of the law transportation and carrying are two separate and distinctly different subjects.  Only hand guns may be carried in Illinois. And Illinois does not allow Open Carry, meaning the firearm is visible to the general public (except on ones own private land, or the land of another with their permission).  Illinois residents must have their concealed carry license on their person at all times when carrying concealed.

However the law is more loose for non-residents. While Illinois does not honor (read: reciprocation) the concealed carry licenses of any other states, and while Illinois only will issue non-resident licenses to 4 other states (See recent changes to non resident eligibility) actually non-residents are able to carry concealed firearms without an Illinois concealed carry license while in their vehicle if they are licensed to carry in their state of residence.

 

Some legal Definitions you need to know when transporting your firearm legally in Illinois.

According to various laws  it is important you understand how certain terms are defined legally in Illinois.

The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Licensing (FCCL) Act defines concealed firearm as…

“Concealed firearm” means a loaded or unloaded handgun carried on or about a person completely or mostly concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle.

 

The FCCL defines handgun as…

“Handgun” means any device which is designed to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, expansion of gas, or escape of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand.

The FCCL, however excludes the following items from the definition of handgun…

“Handgun” does not include:
(1) a stun gun or taser;
(2) a machine gun as defined in item (i) of paragraph

(7) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012;
(3) a short-barreled rifle or shotgun as defined in
item (ii) of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012; or
(4) any pneumatic gun, spring gun, paint ball gun, or
B-B gun which expels a single globular projectile not exceeding .18 inch in diameter, or which has a maximum muzzle velocity of less than 700 feet per second, or which expels breakable paint balls containing washable marking colors.

 

The FCCL as well as previous case law, defines case as…

“case” includes a glove compartment or console that completely encloses the concealed firearm or ammunition, the trunk of the vehicle, or a firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.

 

This article is not legal advice. Please consult your criminal defense attorney with any questions.

How to file an Illinois Witness Slip

Protecting your gun rights is your responsibility. When new gun bans and legislation are introduced it is your responsibility to voice your opposition. When pro gun bills and legislation are introduced it your your responsibility to voice your support.  Filing and Illinois Witness slip is very fast and simple to do, and I’ll explain step by step below.

 

Step 1 – Optional Create an Account

The first step in filing an Illinois witness slips is actually optional, but I recommend it. That is to create an account at the Illinois General Assembly Website. This is an official Illinois Government website, but not is not the main parent website where the test of bills are stored.  If you already have an account at the my.ilga website, proceed to step 2 below.

Visit my.ilga.gov . If you don’t already have an account, simply click on the link to “Register” which will redirect you to the registration page:  http://my.ilga.gov/Account/Register where you would enter in your email address and password, and agree to the terms. You will then be sent a confirmation email.

Registration is recommended because when completing a witness slip, you will be asked information such as your name and who you represent.  Rather than completing this information each time you file a slip, registering an account makes it simple because it remembers the information for you.

 

Once you have created your account, or if you prefer not to create an account, you may then file a witness slip. But how do you know what slips require your attention?  You may visit the facebook page for GunRights4Illinois or visit the Illinois State Rifle Association at member@isra.org . Also a great resource is  Illinois Carry. Through the various aforementioned organizations you WILL be notified about any proposed legislation that needs your attention.

Often a link will be provided in these notices. Typically a bill number will be provided in these notices. If a direct link is provided that makes it simple for you to find. If you only have a bill number, you will visit the my.ILGA website and browse through the committee hearings to find the bill or Amendment you are searching to find.

 

Step 2 – Creating the slip

Assuming you find the direct link and click it, you would be directed to the link requiring your attention. If you have an account, click the log on button in the upper right hand corner. If you don’t have an account begin by manually typing in your information.  Information such as Name and Address is self explanatory.

Information such as Firm/Business Agency does not apply if you are representing yourself, and you would simply input “Self”.  It is frowned upon to enter information such as “NRA” if you do not represent the NRA in an official capacity.   For Title, you can simply put N/A, or Mr. or Mrs.

IN the box regarding representation is somewhat redundant to firm.  If you are officially representing an organization or agency you would input that information in the box, however if you have no official representation, you would then be representing yourself.

Step 3 – Position

You will be allowed to enter your position to the proposed bill or amendment. Either for (Proponent), against (Opponent) or neutral (No Position). It is also extremely important that you use the drop down to select “original bill” or a specific amendment. Often there will be a good bill, but an anti gun politician will try to attach an anti gun amendment. It is important to know what you are opposing or supporting!

Step 4 – Testimony

You are given the option to give oral testimony. You would only select this box if you intend to drive to Springfield and give testimony infront of committee. You would select written statement if you have officially filed a written statement on the proposed bill. However in nearly all cases you would simply select “Record of Appearance Only” which simply records your official position on the bill or amendment.

You would then click on “Create Slip” and you will be done.

 

Often people will ask how much these witness slips really matter. While the slips don’t matter nearly as much as they should, they allow We the People to be heard. Also before each committee meeting the committee chair will state how many are for and how many are against the specific bill or amendment. Often politicians have remarked how quickly the pro gun rights crowd in Illinois is to mobilize on specific issues. These witness slips do matter! We can not always block bad bills in committee, but sometimes we can.

 

Major change to Illinois Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licensing Eligibility

Since Illinois passed the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Licensing Act in 2013,  the words “substantially similar” have been tossed around and discussed. This is because within the Illinois law, any non resident’s state must have substantially similar gun laws and mental health reporting for that non-Illinois resident to be eligible for an Illinois Concealed Carry license.  Previous to the week of February 1st 2017, only Hawaii, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia met this definition of substantially similar.

However the Week of February 1st, the Illinois State Police announced a change to their list of qualifying states eligible for the Illinois Concealed Carry License.  This list now only includes Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia as listed on the Illinois State Police Firearm Services Bureau Website.  Only 54 non-resident licenses have been issued in Illinois since 2014.

It is unknown at this time what shall happen to those licensees who were previously issued licenses in Hawaii, New Mexico and South Carolina. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

The 100th General Assembly brings a Fury of Anti-Gun Legislation proposed in Illinos

The Illinois 100th General Assembly (State Representatives and Senators) were sworn in on January 11th, 2017. Immediately bills began to be filed of various topics, including your gun rights. Here we are 3 weeks later and we have a virtual shopping list of proposed anti gun legislation in Illinois.

True to the prediction of Todd Vandermyde, Liaison for the National Rifle Association in Illinois, the anti gun politicians and their financial backers know they won’t be able to get much of anything done at the federal level. Therefore they have focused their attention at the state and municipal levels. We can expect a non stop attack against our gun rights in Illinois.  The currently proposed anti gun legislation brings a multitude of taxes which will affect your ability to buy a firearm or take part in the shooting activities.

  • HB271 Handgun Ammo Serialize – This bill is  hold over from the 99th general assembly which went nowhere. It is an impractical bill which would require each and every bullet manufactured and sold in Illinois to have a unique serial number laser engraved. Other states have enacted such laws which have cost tax payers millions and done nothing to curb, nor solve crime.
  • HB329 Concealed Carry Prohibit Place – Adds video gaming establishments to the list of prohibited areas. Currently the only gambling establishments are horse and dog tracks as well as off track betting facilities and casinos. This also makes it illegal to carry a concealed firearm in ALL residences in Illinois unless a welcoming sign is posted.
  • HB504 FOID Card Terrorist Watchlist – Illinois very own “No Fly, No Buy”, which again is a hold over from the 99th general assembly and is a clear violation of due diligence guaranteed to us in the United States constitution.
  • HB521 Lost & Stolen Firearms Penalty – Creates a penalty if you do not report your firearm lost or stolen. This is similar to the penalty introduced by Cook County in 2013.
  • SB009 Amendment 2 – creates a 5% tax on shooting ranges, gun clubs, hunting clubs and just about any other recreational activity outside of the shooting sports within Illinois.
  • HB1810 TAX-FIREARMS – creates a 3.75% tax on firearms and firearm parts in Illinois.

Some of the above bills are currently scheduled to go to committee. Your opposition is required to ensure your continued gun rights in Illinois. 2017 is the year for you to get active and fight for your gun rights in Illinois. We can expect a non stop attack for at least the next 4 years. Don’t let down your guard.