Karina's Law: Pritzker signs plan protecting domestic violence survivors from gun violence

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan into law Monday to protect domestic violence survivors by taking guns away from their abusers. Law enforcement will be responsible for removing guns within 96 hours after an emergency order of protection is granted once the law takes effect on May 11.

Survivors of domestic violence can currently ask for 18 different remedies when they seek an order of protection. One of the options requires the abuser's gun to be confiscated and automatically suspends their FOID card. Although, the guns are often transferred to someone else with a FOID card in the same home.

"This measure allows police across Illinois to confiscate guns and FOID cards from individuals who have a restraining order entered against them," Pritzker said. "Karina's law will protect survivors of domestic violence and give them comfort, the comfort of knowing that their abuser will not have easy access to firearms."

The Illinois House passed a similar gun control plan in May 2023, but the proposal stalled in the Senate. Weeks later, Chicagoan Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter Daniela were shot and killed by her husband, shortly after she filed an order of protection against him. Their son Manny was also hurt in the shooting.

"I think what makes this different is that we turn that pain into action," Manny Gonzalez said. "We hope that this isn't something someone else has to go through."

Many Republicans voted against the bill, noting potential dangers for police taking the guns and infringement on Second Amendment rights. Yet, sponsors and advocates said they worked over three years to ensure the plan was in-depth and understandable for survivors, judges and law enforcement.

"I think the coordination was obviously for more rural areas," said Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "So, there's been a lot of conversations that we'll be continuing as we lead to implementation of the bill. Certain areas are a lot more well equipped at the moment. It's one of the reasons we'll continue to be having conversations with folks."

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338. You can also text the word START to 88788 to receive help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

"There are abusers that have access to guns and are not turning them in because they're using it in order to harass, to hurt, and to harm the people that they claim to love," Villanueva said. "That's not okay. The state of Illinois is giving victims and survivors recourse to be able to do something about it."