From State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) -
Legislation that provides law enforcement with an important new tool in the fight against gun violence and illegally-obtained firearms is on its way to the Governor. I am a Chief Co-Sponsor of HB 6303, which amends the Criminal Code by creating the offense of firearms trafficking.
The bill protects the rights of law-abiding gun owners, while taking aim at individuals without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card, who purchase guns and/or ammunition in other states and bring those items into Illinois to be sold, traded or transferred.
Those who violate the provisions of the bill would be charged with a Class I felony which would carry sentence of between four and twenty years for a first offense. Repeat offenders would be charged with a Class X felony.
Research from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tells us that at least 60% of the guns used in crimes in Illinois come from other states. This bill puts real teeth into our laws as they relate to the illegal trafficking of guns and ammunition into Illinois.
Interestingly, most of the out-of-state guns used in Illinois crimes come from Indiana, Mississippi and Wisconsin. Today it is too easy for these guns to get into the hands of criminals in Illinois, and this legislation should serve as an effective deterrent for the straw purchasers who wish to provide these illegal guns to unlawful citizens of our state. The law will take effect immediately upon its signing by the Governor.
State Rep. Ron Sandack represents Illinois' 81st State House District.
