Pritzker signs bill improving due process for people with revoked, denied FOID cards

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a proposal into law Monday to improve public safety and address the state's appeals process for FOID card decisions.

Anyone can lose their FOID card if they are reported to the Illinois State Police as a danger to themselves or others by medical professionals, law enforcement, or school officials. This law will establish an expedited review process for people who believe they have been wrongly deemed a clear and present danger.

Under the legislation, gun owners would be able to receive any information related to their case and object to redactions they feel are necessary for a full and fair review.

"This law grants everyone the opportunity for a timely review process if they believe their determination is inaccurate," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "With this change, we are improving transparency in the process and helping to ensure decisions are made fairly."

The law could also improve data transparency around untraceable firearms used in crimes. Illinois State Police would have the ability to collect and publish data on cases involving guns that are stolen or missing serial numbers.

Republicans argued lawmakers wouldn't need to pass this bill if Democrats stopped approving plans infringing on Second Amendment rights.

"We have seen the courts strike this down with other efforts," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "We are waiting on the U.S. Supreme Court to finally make determinations on other infringements on the Second Amendment. We need to stop infringing individuals' rights and let the courts make determinations on other infringements before we move forward."

House Bill 850 passed out of the House on a partisan 74-40 vote. It passed out of the Senate on the final day of session with a 36-17 vote.