SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A state Democratic plan would require stricter mental health evaluations when someone with a revoked FOID card tries to get it back.
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When a FOID card is revoked, any Illinoisan can receive their card back after five years have passed and they have completed a mental health evaluation. However, advocates say current law around these mental health checks are too vague, with some evaluations being done by people without proper training.
The proposal would require all evaluators to be a licensed mental health professional. When it comes to the evaluation, it would require at least two office visits. Mark Heyrman with Mental Health America said the current loophole has caused people to regain access to weapons during severe mental health crises.
"We do have to fix our mental health system as well," Heyrman said. "But in this narrow area we need to make sure we have the right standards to get your gun back."
One of the advocates was Staci Krause. She told the story of her husband, who regained access to his firearms during a mental health crisis. He would take his life with his gun in June 2024 at 34 years old.Â
"Suicide is unlike any other death you will ever experience," Krause said. "Your loved one is gone and a part of you dies with them. Knowing I can't experience a life with Jeff ever, that thought and feeling will never go away."
Firearms are the number one means of suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for immediate access to the Illinois crisis hotline.
Since this bill was subject matter only, no vote was held in committee. Lawmakers could bring this plan back for a vote in the coming weeks.
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