The Illinois chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement applauding Illinois House for passing the Protect Illinois Communities Act, HB 5855, a critical gun violence prevention legislative package. The bill now heads over to the Senate. Moms Demand Action volunteers were at the capitol late into the night, joined by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to get this life-saving package over the finish line.
“The gun violence epidemic, in all its forms, is devastating families and communities across Illinois,” said Caryn Fliegler, a volunteer with the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action who was at the state capitol late into the early morning to get the bill over the finish line. “We are incredibly grateful that House lawmakers are prioritizing saving lives. Moms Demand Action volunteers have been advocating for gun violence prevention in Illinois for many years, and are working overtime to pass this package. We will not stop fighting to end gun violence and aren’t going anywhere until this bill is signed.”
This omnibus package was introduced during the Illinois veto session in December. It includes legislation that would prohibit assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, facilitate better implementation and efficacy of Illinois’s Firearm Restraining Order (FRPO) law, and address illegal gun trafficking in the state.
Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers have been at the forefront of advocating for the House’s Protect Illinois Communities Act, attending and testifying at hearings, meeting with legislators, and engaging in public discourse explaining the need for the package.
In an average year, 1,505 people die and 2,715 people are wounded by guns in Illinois. Gun violence costs Illinois $18.6 billion each year, of which $625.5 million is paid by taxpayers. Learn more about gun violence in Illinois here.