Illinois Republicans want to lower the age to get a FOID card

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new bill filed in Springfield could lower the age requirement for a FOID card from 21 to 18.

The plan also states people could be eligible for a FOID card if they have never been convicted of a misdemeanor, other than a traffic violation or delinquent crime.

State Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Highland) says the age should be lowered so Illinois high school students can participate in trap shooting.

"We have a lot of trap shooting teams even in our schools in southern Illinois," Meier said. "If you're going to run traps or go rabbit hunting you have to have a parent to go with you. It just seems ridiculous."

For the bill to have any chance of passing, it would require at least 60 votes from House Democrats.

However, Meier says while it would be hard to accomplish, people would be surprised how many Democrats own a gun.

"I've invited Democrats and Republicans from northern Illinois, central Illinois and southern Illinois to shoot trap," Meier said. "[They'll say] Gladly like to shoot trap but don't take a picture. A lot of our reps that vote against gun rights I believe probably have a gun in their glove compartment."

According to Statista, last year there were 314 incidents where a gun was fired, brandished or a bullet hit a school building.

Meier says there should be more resources for school students to gain access to mental health care.

"I will always support that," said Meier. "We have to reach out and help them and that's the key for changing a lot of these things."

The bill could be talked about later this month when lawmakers return to Springfield.