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 Restraining Order Act

The Firearms Restraining Order Act went into effect on January 1, 2019. The FRO created a new type of a civil court order that temporarily prohibits a person who is at risk of harming themselves or others from possessing or purchasing firearms. These orders can be petitioned for by family, household members and law enforcement, providing them a legal pathway to proactively address their concerns about a loved one. By removing firearms, the FRO law creates safer circumstances for the individual to seek treatment, stabilize behavior, and access resources to address the underlying causes of dangerous behaviors.

Read more about Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) Act.:

READ FIREAM RESTRAINING ORDER 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 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.

Read more and download the Block Illegal Ownership and Fix the FOID Bill:
DOWNLOAD THE BIO AND FIX THE FOID BILL

Ghost Guns

Ghost guns are unregulated firearms that anyone – including minors and prohibited purchasers – can buy and build without a background check. These unserialized and untraceable “ghost gun kits” can be bought online and assembled at home.


DOWNLOAD THE ONE PAGER ABOUT GHOST GUNS