SPRINGFIELD – Monday is the last day for public comment on proposed rules implementing a new state law that would "shut down as many federally licensed firearm dealers as possible," the Illinois State Rifle Association says.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) already licenses and closely monitors all federally-licensed firearm dealers, while strictly enforcing any violation of federal law. "SB 337 is not only unnecessary, but it expands mandatory regulations and red tape in order to force the closure of most firearm dealers (and prevent prospective owners from opening new ones)," the ISRA is telling its members.
For example, the proposed rules would require licensed firearm dealers to install security systems rivaling those of most FDIC-insured banks and casinos. "Another particularly expensive proposal would require the installation of license plate-reading cameras in parking lots 24 hours a day, seven days a week," the statement said. "That would not only require each dealer, regardless of how small the business, to purchase and install expensive high definition cameras complete with night vision or strong lighting. Expensive storage for the video data would be required as well, assuming such bandwidth is even available within our smaller communities."
By forcing local gun shops to collapse under the weight of government red tape, Senate Bill 337 would ultimately put commonly used firearms and ammunition out of reach for many law-abiding citizens, especially in rural areas, the group says.
They go on to ask Second Amendment supporters to contact the J-CAR committee members:
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
- Co-Chairman Sen. Don Harmon 217-782-8176
- Co-Chairman Rep. Keith Wheeler 217-782-1486
- Sen. Kimberly Lightford 217-782-8505
- Sen. Tony Munoz 217-782-9415
- Sen. Sue Rezin 217-782-3840
- Sen. Paul Schimpf 217-782-8137
- Sen. Chuck Weaver 217-782-1942
- Rep. Tom Demmer 217-782-0535
- Rep. Mike Halpin 217-782-3835
- Rep. Frances Ann Hurley 217-782-8200
- Rep. Steven Reick 217-782-1717
- Rep. Andre Thapedi 217-782-1702
SB377 passed in the 100th General Assembly on May 29, 2018 and was sent to and signed into law by JB Pritzker four days after he became governor.
