IL Democratic lawmakers file bill requiring safe firearm storage, stolen gun reporting

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois Democratic lawmakers have reintroduced a plan to improve gun storage across the state. The legislation also includes requirements for reporting lost and stolen firearms.

FILE - Displayed is a Glock 17 pistol fitted a with a cable style gun lock in Philadelphia, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Matt Rourke

Senate Bill 8 could ban people from storing or leaving a gun outside an owner's possession or control unless it is unloaded and secured in a lock box. This proposal specifically notes that minors, at-risk people and those prohibited from using guns should not be able to access firearms in the home.

"We need to ensure that all of our gun owners are responsible and they know what they need to do to keep everybody safe, including our youth," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "I want every youth regardless of the community they live in, but especially those communities that have been disinvested in, to feel safe."

Gun owners could face a fine of $500 to $1,000 if someone prohibited from accessing guns obtains their weapon. The legislation could also create a $10,000 penalty if a minor or at-risk person uses someone else's gun to injure or kill people.

"It is clear that we must address child access to firearms and safe storage," said Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia). "Guns have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death of our children ages one to 17 years old."

Democratic leaders hope to crack down on gun trafficking by improving reporting requirements for lost and stolen firearms as well. This measure could require federally licensed firearm dealers to inform gun buyers of their obligation to report a lost or stolen gun at the time of purchase. It also calls on the Illinois State Police to create an online portal listing the serial numbers of lost and stolen guns.

"The bill sets clear expectations for responsible behavior by requiring gun owners to report stolen firearms within 48 hours, emphasizing the importance of being responsible for that firearm," said Rep. Kevin Olickal (D-Skokie).

Senate Democrats filed this proposal Monday, but it has not been assigned to a committee yet. Lawmakers could discuss the plan when session resumes in two weeks.