Illinois repeat gun offender minimum sentencing law sunsets January 1

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A 2018 state law holding repeat gun offenders behind bars longer will be repealed on January 1. Senators tried to extend the law for another year, but House Democrats never called the plan for a vote before the fall veto session ended.

Anyone convicted of unlawful use or possession of a firearm multiple times currently faces 7-14 years behind bars. The 2018 law also states that people convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon several times could serve 6-7 years in jail.

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Kankakee) led the push to extend these mandatory sentences through January 1, 2025.

"When we're talking about those that commit crimes of this intentionality and reckless disregard for safety, I think it is a good proposal," said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). "I appreciate the senator championing this in this extension to continue to work on this very complex issue."

The proposal gained strong bipartisan support and passed out of the Senate on a 42-12 vote Wednesday. Yet, House Bill 1440 quickly came to a halt in the House where most Democratic members are strongly opposed to penalty enhancements.

Sponsors and advocates said this change could help 50 to 100 prisoners receive a constitutional sentencing hearing.

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) was also upset that Senate Democrats used one of his environmental protection bills as a vehicle for their legislation to extend the mandatory minimum sentences.

"I strongly oppose sentencing enhancements with no proven benefit to public safety," Guzzardi said. "The data on this particular measure is indisputable. It has increased incarceration and has not reduced gun violence."

Guzzardi stressed that he would not allow House Bill 1440 to advance and blocked it from being called for a vote in the chamber.

Still, House Republicans said the extension deserved a vote to protect the public.

"We're about to get rid of mandatory sentencing," said Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva). "I'm not quite certain to what end what we think it's going to do or how we think it's going to help. We have problems, untold problems, with crime right now in our communities."

Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said Democrats used "partisan games" to kill the statute that has helped keep many dangerous felons off the street.

"To remove a protection for the citizens of our state when they are being ravaged by gun violence is really troublesome," McClure said.

Republicans said they were also shocked to see Democrats repealing the law since the 2018 sponsor was Attorney General and former Senate Democrat Kwame Raoul.

WAND News asked the Attorney General's office if Raoul had a response to this change. The Attorney General's office has not requested to the request at this time.