Illinois House Democrats pass safe gun storage bill, send plan to Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Democrats passed a first-of-its-kind safe gun storage bill Wednesday night.

The plan requires all guns to be put in a locked container if there are minors, at-risk people or anyone ineligible to hold a FOID card nearby.

Gun owners could be fined up to $1,000 if a minor or prohibited person gains access to a gun that isn't safely stored. The fine could be $10,000 if the person kills someone with that firearm.

"We've had too many tragedies involving firearms that could have easily been prevented," said Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia). "Putting a law like this in our books means we're taking the necessary steps to address the deadly implications of firearms not being properly stored and falling into the wrong hands."

Gun owners would not face any fines if their firearm is stolen by an intruder. Although, the owner must report the crime within 48 hours.

House Republicans and advocates argue the legislation could be unconstitutional following Supreme Court cases like Heller vs. D.C.

"I wish we had more opportunity to talk this through," said Rep. CD Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville). "This is going to be challenged in court. This is going to be another court case that the Attorney General is going to have to handle case after case after case. You're trying to do something that makes people safer, but you're actually infringing on their rights."

The measure passed out of the House on a 69-40 vote Wednesday. Senate Democrats approved the bill on a 33-19 vote on April 10.

This bill now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for his signature of approval.

"We're incredibly grateful to the survivors, advocates, and lawmakers who helped push this bill forward," said Yolanda Androzzo, Executive Director of One Aim Illinois. "This victory belongs to all of us who believe that safety starts in our homes."