SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Gov. Pritzker for signing the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act, bipartisan legislation that will put in place significant trafficking prevention measures that the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition and gun violence prevention groups across the state advocated in support of for years.
“This is an important step forward for Illinois,” said Lauren Quinn, volunteer chapter leader with the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “These are smart, focused measures to prevent gun trafficking – and do so while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners and sellers. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who worked to make this possible, particularly Sen. Harmon, Rep. Willis, Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition.”
Championed by Sen. Dan Harmon and Rep. Kathleen Willis, SB 337, the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act, will:
- Require background checks for gun store employees;
- Require gun dealers to keep their business premises open for inspection by law enforcement during business hours;
- Require training for gun dealers and gun store employees on responsible business practices and the laws applicable to selling firearms; and
- Require video surveillance and alarm systems for all brick-and-mortar locations.
The bill includes provisions from the Gun Dealer Licensing Act, which the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition and gun violence prevention groups across the state advocated in support of for years — including at a statehouse rally with hundreds of volunteers on the day the General Assembly passed the bill.
Despite polling showing broad support for the bill, former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. Following the veto, the legislature passed the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act last May.
