Our Accomplishments

One Aim advocates for common sense, evidence-based, gun violence prevention measures that will save lives in Illinois. Working in partnership with a 200+ member coalition including faith and community groups, families and survivors of gun violence, law enforcement, elected officials and key stakeholders, three critical violence prevention policies have been enacted into Illinois law.

Policy Priorities

Addressing Illinois’ gun violence crisis requires enacting and implementing policies to reduce gun violence and keep our children, families, and communities safe. We work to advance legislation at the state level to implement evidence-based solutions to gun violence in Illinois.

Firearm Industry Responsibility Act – FIRA

Passed in 2023, FIRA allows victims and survivors of gun violence to hold gun manufacturers accountable through legal action for the harm they have caused by either their actions or inactions.

  • Holds gun makers accountable who engage in dangerous sales and marketing practices
  • Prohibits advertising and marketing that encourages para-military or unlawful private militia activity
  • Prevents advertising to minors that uses cartoons, stuffed animals and clothing in ads targeted towards children
  • Levels the playing field by treating gun manufacturers like any other industry in America, which can face legal action if they break the law.
  • Allows victims of gun violence to seek justice

    • DOWNLOAD FIREARM INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILTY ACT FACT SHEET

    Gun Dealer Certification

    Gun dealers are a critical link between gun manufacturers and the public. They are also one of the largest sources of illegally trafficked firearms in Illinois. Research shows increased regulation of dealers to prevent illegal straw purchases has been associated with a 64% decrease in the number of guns used in crimes that can be traced back to a gun dealer.

    Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act.

    Following the passage of the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act on January 18, 2019, federal firearm license holders (FFLs) in Illinois are now required to be certified. This certification process includes several important requirements:


    • Conducting background checks for all gun store employees;
    • Mandated training for employees and gun dealers on applicable laws and responsible business practices; and,
    • Video surveillance and alarm systems to prevent thefts at retail locations.

    The law encourages better business practices and holds corrupt gun dealers accountable, ultimately helping to curb a major source of illegally trafficked firearms.

    DOWNLOAD THE GUN DEALER CERTIFICATION FACT SHEET

    Block Illegal Ownership (BIO)

    Mass shootings have devastated Illinois in recent years, including the tragic shooting at Henry Pratt Company in Aurora on February 15, 2019. Dangerous loopholes in state law have allowed individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms to easily obtain guns and use them to injure and kill innocent victims. In response to these tragedies, gun violence prevention organizations, advocates, and lawmakers joined together to introduce legislation to close the loopholes in Illinois law and strengthen the FOID card system to prevent such tragedies from happening again. On August 2, 2021, the Block Illegal Ownership and Fix the FOID Bill, a bipartisan gun safety bill that will expand universal background checks to all gun sales and provide funding to community mental health initiatives was signed into law.


    DOWNLOAD THE BIO AND FIX THE FOID BILL

    Ghost Guns

    Ghost guns are do-it-yourself, homemade weapons that use widely available “build kits” that anyone –– including minors and prohibited purchasers –– with access to a 3-D printer and the internet can make in as little as 15 minutes.

    The Ghost Gun ban outlaws the transfer, purchase, importation, printing, and possession of ghost guns in Illinois. The law also further strengthens the authorities’ ability to regulate ghost guns by creating standards for serializing firearms and guns manufactured with a 3D printer.


    DOWNLOAD THE ONE PAGER ABOUT GHOST GUNS

    Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA)

    On January 10, 2023, Illinois became the 9th state to pass comprehensive legislation banning the sale and possession of assault weapons. The law makes it illegal to knowingly possess an assault weapon or assault weapon attachment as of January 1, 2024.




    DOWNLOAD THE PICA FACT SHEET