Illinois General Assembly 5/27/2025

[mauserme]

UPDATE(S):

 

SB8 Safe Gun Storage was approved for consideration by the House Gun Violence Prevention Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

The Senate met briefly yesterday, Memorial Day, for about 20 minutes.
 
The House Gun Violence Prevention Committee is scheduled to meet this afternoon.  I am including SB8 Safe Gun Storage below as it has been assigned back to this committee but is not posted to today's hearing.

 
 
The House and the Senate are scheduled for 11:00 AM today.

 

 
Next Days Scheduled
 
House:  5/28/2025
 
Senate: 5/28/2025
   
 
  
  
House Calendar
 

 
Senate Calendar

 

Senate Supplemental Calendar 1
 

 

 

[mauserme]

House Calendar

11:00 AM

 
 
HR181 End Gun Violence
 
Neutral
 
House Sponsor:  Harper
 
Status:  Order of Resolutions
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Honors the lives of those lost to gun violence in Illinois and Chicago. Urges government to work collaboratively to create safer communities through targeted investments, Reaffirms commitment to end gun violence.
 
 
 
 
 
HJR26 End Gun Violence Task Force
 
Neutral
 
House Sponsor:  Harper
 
Status:  Order of Resolutions
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Creates the End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas Task Force to study, analyze data, make recommendations, and develop policy proposals addressing the root causes of violence and resulting trauma to drastically reduce gun violence in disproportionately impacted areas.
 
House Amendment 1 to HJR26 - Adopted 4/30/2025
 
Deletes everything. Reinserts language creating the End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas Task Force. Makes the Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity an ex officio, nonvoting, advisory member.
 
House Amendment 2 to HJR26 - Pending
 
Deletes everything. Reinserts language creating the End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas Task Force. Makes changes to the membership of the Task Force. Makes changes to the agency providing administrative support.
 
House Amendment 3 to HJR26 - Approved for Consideration
 
Deletes everything. Reinserts language creating the End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas Task Force. Makes changes to the membership of the Task Force. Makes changes to the agency providing administrative support.
 
 
 
 
 
SB2431 Explosives & Consumer Firework
 
Oppose
 
Senate Sponsor:  Turner (Doris)
 
House Sponsor:  Hoffman
 
Status:  House Third Reading
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Amends the Illinois Explosives Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that no person shall acquire, possess, use, transfer, or dispose of explosive materials unless the person has obtained a valid Illinois Individual Explosives License issued by the Department of Natural Resources, except as provided in the Act. In provisions concerning qualifications for licensure, provides that no person shall qualify to hold a license who is an unlawful user of or addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance or has been adjudicated a person with a mental disability as defined in the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act or the person's FOID card is suspended or revoked. Provides that upon receipt of a second revocation of an explosives license, the person shall no longer be eligible to apply for an Illinois individual explosive license. Provides that any bulk storage or holding of consumer fireworks in quantities of 1,001 pounds or greater that is not in compliance with the Pyrotechnic Use Act or the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act must be stored in a Department certified Type 1, Type 2, or Type 4 magazine and must meet the distancing requirements for low explosives in applicable law. Provides that no consumer firework cake, designed for consumer use, shall exceed 500 grams in total explosive chemical composition. Provides that any person transporting explosive materials in the State shall comply with the placard requirements, as required by federal administrative rule. Makes other changes.
 
Senate Amendment 1 to SB2431 - Adopted 3/19/2025
 
Makes a change concerning the definition of "consumer fireworks". In provisions concerning storage requirements, provides that any bulk storage or holding of consumer fireworks in quantities of 1,001 pounds or greater that is not in compliance with the Pyrotechnic Use Act or the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act must be stored in a Department certified Type 1, Type 2, or Type 4 magazine and must meet the distancing requirements, provided by administrative rule, that pertain to the safe storage of low explosives (rather than the distancing requirements for low explosives in federal rules and applicable law). Removes the language that provides that no consumer firework cake, designed for consumer use, shall exceed 500 grams in total explosive chemical composition. In provisions concerning unlawful possession, storage, and transfer, makes changes concerning penalties. Corrects typographical errors.
  
Senate Amendment 2 to SB2431 - Adopted 4/9/2025
 
Removes language providing that no person may possess or store a firework cake, designed for consumer use, that exceeds 500 grams in total explosive chemical composition.
 
House Amendment 1 to SB2431 - Adopted 5/6/2025
 
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following change. In provisions concerning the powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Natural Resources, adds the ability to authorize any officer or Department employee to enter upon, inspect, and examine, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, the records and properties of persons licensed or certified under the Act to the extent such records and properties relate to the safe and proper storage, handling, and use of explosive materials. Makes grammatical changes.
 
 

 

[mauserme]

House Committee(s)

 
Gun Violence Prevention Committee - 2:00 PM Room 122
 
HJR26 End Gun Violence Task Force - Neutral
 

House Amendment 2 to HJR26

SB8 Safe Gun Storage - Assigned/Not Posted  Now Posted - Oppose

 
 
 
House Appropriations - Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee - 3:00 PM Room C-1
 
HB1930 $Violence Prevention Grants - Neutral
 
 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

Senate Calendar

11:00 AM

 
 
AM1040005 Appoint - Jordan Campanella
 
Neutral
 
Senate Sponsor:  Murphy
 
Status:  Executive Appointments
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Nominates Jordan Campanella as a Member of the Firearm Owner's Identification Card Review Board.
 
 
 
 
 
AM1040006 Appoint - Frank Leo DePodesta
 
Neutral
 
Senate Sponsor:  Murphy
 
Status:  Executive Appointments
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Nominates Frank Leo DePodesta as a Member of the Firearm Owner's Identification Card Review Board.
 
 
 
 
 
AM1040007 Appoint - Richard C. Schoenstedt
 
Neutral
 
Senate Sponsor:  Murphy
 
Status:  Executive Appointments
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Nominates Richard Carl Schoenstedt as a Member of the Firearm Owner's Identification Card Review Board.
 
 
 
 
 
SB1899 FOID - Diversionary Program
 
Support
 
Senate Sponsor:  Sims, Hunter (Added After Passage:  Collins)
 
House Sponsor:  Slaughter, Belt
 
Status:  Pending Senate Concurrence in House Amendment 1
 
Synopsis As Introduced
 
Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that a person charged with certain weapon-related offenses under the Criminal Code of 2012 and sentenced to the First Time Weapons Offense Program under the Unified Code of Corrections or any other court-ordered diversionary program created by law or by a court of the State of Illinois may submit an application for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card before receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program. Directs the Illinois State Police to issue a Firearm Owner's Identification Card to such a person upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program, provided the person is otherwise eligible to receive a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Specifies that a FOID application made under this provision shall be approved or denied within 10 business days of receiving a court order or written notification from a State's Attorney that the person completed a diversionary program.
 
Senate Amendment 1 to SB1899 - Tabled 4/9/2025
 
Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes changes to provisions regarding application and renewal. In provisions regarding unlawful use of a weapon offense diversionary programs, provides that a person charged with an unlawful use of weapons offense, or the aggravated offense, and sentenced to the First Time Weapons Offense Program or any other court-ordered diversionary program created by law or an Illinois court may submit an application for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card upon receiving a court order (rather than prior to receiving a court order) demonstrating completion of the program. Provides that the State shall dismiss the pending charge upon successful completion of the program.
 
Senate Amendment 2 to SB1899 - Adopted 4/3/2025
 
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. In provisions concerning the First Time Weapon Offense Program, provides that, upon the successful completion of the Program, a defendant may submit an application for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the Program. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall issue a Firearm Owner's Identification Card to such person upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the Program if the person is otherwise eligible to receive a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Provides that nothing in the provisions concerning the First Time Weapon Offense Program shall prohibit the Illinois State Police from denying an application for or revoking a Firearm Owner's Identification Card as provided by law. Adds provisions concerning unlawful possession of weapons offense diversion programs and a defendant's Firearm Owner's Identification Card eligibility. Provides that a State's Attorney, at his or her discretion, may request that a defendant charged with an unlawful possession of weapons offense or aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon offense, if punishable as a Class 4 felony or lower, be sentenced to a First Time Weapon Offense Program.
 
House Amendment 1 to SB1899 - Adopted 5/1/2025
 
Provides that a State's Attorney, at his or her discretion, may request that a defendant charged with an unlawful possession of weapons offense under the Criminal Code of 2012 or aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon offense under the Criminal Code of 2012, if punishable as a Class 4 felony or lower, be sentenced to an appropriate diversion program (rather than a First Time Weapon Offense Program).
 
 
 
 

[mauserme]

The House is coming to order.

 

114 members are present.

 

 

 

[mauserme]

The Senate is coming to order.

 

 

[Molly B.]

On 5/26/2025 at 5:42 PM, mauserme said:

 
The House Gun Violence Prevention Committee is scheduled to meet this afternoon.  I am including SB8 Safe Gun Storage below as it has been assigned back to this committee but is not posted to today's hearing.

 
 
 

 

 

But at this stage of the legislative calendar they can post it with 15 minutes notice, correct?

[mauserme]

On 5/27/2025 at 11:35 AM, Molly B. said:

But at this stage of the legislative calendar they can post it with 15 minutes notice, correct?

 

Yes.

[mauserme]

On 5/27/2025 at 11:35 AM, Molly B. said:

But at this stage of the legislative calendar they can post it with 15 minutes notice, correct?

 

The posting requirement was just waived on SB8.

 

 

[mauserme]

The House stands adjourned until 5/28/2025 @ 12:00 Noon.

 

 

[EdDinIL]

On 5/27/2025 at 12:44 PM, mauserme said:

The posting requirement was just waived on SB8.

 

Meaning now they can ram it through a committee hearing on short notice with little attention from anyone?  If so, then yeah, they're going to pass it.  

[Double P]

The ISRA sent a notice to file witness slips withing the hour.

[Double P]

On 5/27/2025 at 1:35 PM, Double P said:

The ISRA sent a notice to file witness slips withing the hour.

And IC sent it now too! 

[mauserme]

On 5/27/2025 at 1:32 PM, EdDinIL said:

 

Meaning now they can ram it through a committee hearing on short notice with little attention from anyone?  If so, then yeah, they're going to pass it.  

 

Yes, and I think signing this into law would be Governor Pritzker's admission that he will never be elected President.

 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

On 5/27/2025 at 1:37 PM, Double P said:

And IC sent it now too! 

 

We waited for links to the witness slips.

 

 

[mauserme]

The House Gun Violence Prevention Committee has come to order.

 

SB8 Safe Gun Storage is up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

The sponsor, Rep Hirschauer, introduces the bill by recapping it's provisions.  It is being treated as a continuation of the previous subject matter hearing, but this time with the intention to vote.

 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

Ed Sullivan, representing ISRA, speaks against the bill.  He first explains that, contrary to the sponsor's statement, a cable lock is not eligible under the language.  He continues with the potential costs of purchasing a safe or other lockable container.

 

Further, prohibited persons include those without a FOID card, meaning house guests might necessitate the need for a lockable device. 

 

 

[mauserme]

He then speaks to proximate cause, where a minor invitee into the home steals a firearm and shoots someone.  Under this bill the homeowner can be held civilly liability.  He says this has already be found unconstitutional in Illinois.

 

 

[mauserme]

Josh Witkowski of Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources, points out that Heller allows a firearm to be accessible.  He explains that although they might argue that there is a self defense exemption in the bill, it isn't self defense until it is self defense, meaning the firearm must be accessible in order to be used for self defense.

 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

Rep Hirschauer calls some of Mr. Sullivan's testimony a misrepresentation.

 

 

[mauserme]

Rep Windhorst continues earlier questioning about proximate cause, asking if language creating prima facia negligence has been vetted through case law.

 

 

[mauserme]

Ms. Hirschauer answers by recapping Bruen and her version of Rahimi, then saying it's important to remember her bill applies only when a minor is present.  Apparently rights don't apply to parents.

 

In answer to further questioning, she can cite no examples of historical storage laws similar to her bill.

 

 

 

 

[mauserme]

Mr. Windhorst asks how a gun owner can know if someone from out of town is prohibited from gun ownership.

 

The answer is that the bill sets a "reasonable standard".

 

 

[mauserme]

The House Appropriations - Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee has come and gone.  I believe only HR160 was heard.  It is not related to us.

[mauserme]

The sponsor admits that discussion on this bill is still ongoing.  Her intent seems to be to move it to second reading while those occur in the background.

 

 

[mauserme]

Those discussions include ACLU and the Cook County Public Defenders office.

[mauserme]

The bill is reported to the floor on a partisan, 9/5 vote.

[mauserme]

The committee recesses without taking up House Amendment 2 to HJR26.