By Ashley Badgley Illinois Statehouse News
SPRINGFIELD – A House committee on Monday pushed through three pieces of gun legislation, sending them to the full House for consideration.
State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago, sponsored two of the bills that passed. His first bill – approved on a 7-to-5 vote — amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act by prohibiting individuals who lack the proper license to sell or transfer their firearms to another person. The transaction could only be performed through a licensed dealer.
Osterman said the measure would prevent people with criminal records from owning firearms. However, National Rifle Association lobbyist Todd Vandermyde said the bill would just create more work for lawful gun owners.
However, Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas Mahoney told committee members that Osterman’s legislation will help Illinois residents who legally purchase their firearms.
Osterman’s second bill passed on a 6-to-4 vote, and would require gun owners to have a proper, portable gun carrying case in which to transport their gun.
Osterman said this legislation is “commonsense” for gun owners.
Chicago Police Sgt. John Hamilton testified that such a simple requirement could mean the difference between life and death. He said he has witnessed the shooting of several fellow officers because someone did not have their gun in a proper container when transporting it.
State Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, voted against the bill, saying it would cause confusion because the bill would change Illinois Supreme Court guidelines regarding a proper gun case.
He said judges all over the state would each make different rulings.
State Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago sponsored the third gun measure passed by the House committee, on a 6-to-4 vote. The bill would prohibit Illinois gun manufacturers from selling firearms to Illinois residents. The manufacturers could sell their firearms to other states, as well as to Illinois police officers, Acevedo said.
A strong gun opponent, Acevedo said his measure would decrease the number of Illinois residents purchasing firearms.
State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said the bill could hurt Illinois businesses and jobs because they are losing their customers and must rely on other states for business.
I am confused. Is Chicago Police Sgt. Hamilton implying that the officers were shot by law abiding citizens who would have had their guns in cases? On th ethird bill, How many guns are purchased by criminals from gun manufacturers anyway?
look we dont need gun bills.we need is lower taxes.we need state immigration bill jusst like the state of AZ. illegal aliens dont have any rights!
any person a USA citizen and commits crimes against our state or nation should have thier citizenship strip from them. this all goes for foriegn born naturalized cittizens
These bills just add up to another degree of stupidity. I can’t wait till November so we can vote some of these idiots out of office. Does State rep Osterman even think the druggies, gang bangers give a hoot about these laws.I would guess that more than 3/4 of them can’t even own a firearm with the current laws that are in place but yet they got them, fully automatics which nobody can own here in Illinois. They thumb their nose at all of this because they recognize the stupidity of it all..Your name goes on my no vote list for November.
None of these Laws do anything to go after criminals that could care less about ANY law. Common sense laws would allow Law abiding citizens the ability to defend themselves. Now only criminals on the street have that ability. How does not selling guns to law abiding citizens prevent criminals from doing so? The criminal who shot the police officers with a improperly encased gun. Do you actually think that if the law stated that he needed it to be encased he would have complied? Who are the politicians kidding.
Why all the red tape?? Going through a dealer would just add yet another cost to the law abiding citizen. Why couldn’t we sell/transfer the legal ownership by going through the local, county or state police? We’d go to them, show our legal right to the ownership of the gun to be sold/transferred, give them the persons information to whom the gun will be sold/transferred to, and then have the police dept. run a criminal background check on the potential owner. I’d rather have the police run the check than the gun dealer. What would the dealer charge? They’ll want their money for their time and I’d rather the state got it.
Above, you show that Mr. Osterman said “the measure would prevent people with criminal records from owning firearms”. Really? Why? Would the criminals all of the sudden decide to follow the rules. That’s why they are criminals, they have a blatent disregard for the laws already in place.
I would like to believe that most law abiding people already transport their guns in a proper case, store their guns with locks or in safes.
Above, you have a statement from Chicago Police Sgt. John Hamilton where he testified “that such a simple requirement could mean the difference between life and death. He said he has witnessed the shooting of several fellow officers because someone did not have their gun in a proper container when transporting it”.
For what he’s seen and the friends he lost, I am truly sorry. But again, how is this going to make it safer for the officers. Bad guys are bad guys and they will do bad things; now and unfortunately forever.
The bill that would prohibit Illinois gun manufacturers from selling firearms to Illinois residents doesn’t make sense to me; unless of course you are trying to go around the 2nd amendmant right to bear arms. He says that “the manufacturers could sell their firearms to other states, as well as to Illinois police officers”. I think he’s trying to run an end game with mayor Daley.
As we know, State Rep. Acevedo is a strong gun opponent. You state above that Mr.Acevedo said “his measure would decrease the number of Illinois residents purchasing firearms”. True, but it wouldn’t stop them from going to another state to buy them.
For the most part, the police know who the bad guys are. Why not enforce the laws already in place and take them away from the bad guys and not the good ones?
Last I saw, we still have the right to bare arms and protect ourselves. Stripping our rights and/or abilitity to purchase a gun does nothing but empower the criminals.
As with anything, please don’t rush into passing something that will hurt the law abiding citizens. Go after the bad guys and take their rights and ability to break the laws.
Thanks for your time,
Sincerely,
Richard Guasta
The requirement to sell your gun through a dealer reaches directly into my pocket. It is like requiring me to sell my car through a used car dealer. When I go to sell any of my guns I will get ripped off with a big cut going to a gun dealer. I already gave dearly when I bought them. Why can’t the buyer and seller go to a local or state police station and get their FOID’s checked, something signed, and proceed with the transaction without a gun dealer?
All this will accomplish is to drive gun sellers further underground. Making one use a Federally licensed dealer to see ones legal gun only increases cost to the seller or buyer with increased paperwork so that will NOT happen. This will increase back of the trunk gun sales. And what do you do with inherited guns?
As to a PROPER portable gun case, I can find no definition of what this is now. Is it a locked hard case or a soft carrying case? What guns are covered? all firearms or just pistols?
Why not require all car sales be done by/through dealers to ensure that the purchaser has a VALID Illinois license and MANDATORY insurance for one year before title or possession of the vehicle can be passed?
Thats about as stupid as these gun law recommendations are!
Illinois is way over regulated and legislated now. Go ahead and drive more REAL taxpayers (not those on welfare or the “public payroll”!) who are paying your salaries out of this bankrupt state! So far you have a done a wonderful job of that!
The ONLY things making head way in Illinois are increased taxes and stupid legislation!
if our current gun legislations were enforced properly, then we wouldn’t require an new laws.
Take away our freedoms once more…pretty soon i won’t be able to breathe without an id card!
i’m certainly gald that i now have my concealed carry permit which is good in a bunch of states.
keep our freedoms!!!!!
In spite of what Rep. Acevedo believes, it is time to pass concealed carry legislation in Illinois.
Any representative of either party who opposes the right to concealed carry shall not have the advantage of my vote at the next election cycle.
Jeff McMenamin
272 Carla Drive
South Elgin, IL 60177-1504
847-931-7341
I am going to paint with a broad brush and say most well-meaning government interventions in public and private life are designed to promote equality of outcome, social justice, or reduce the seeming unfairness and volatility of life.
The best defense of liberty begins with independence. And taking care of your own life is something you don’t need to go to the ballot box to do. This concept is also not to take the inventory of anyone else’s life either. It also puts each of us in the position of helping people we really can help — your friends, family, and neighbors.
This current legislation is another example that our Laws are no longer made by a rational process of public discussion; they are made by a process of Lobbyists and Special Interests, and they are executed in the same manner.
Regretfully Illinois lawmakers of today are wholly devoid of principle and believe Situational Ethics is the right choice– a mere counter in a grotesque and politically self-serving game.
This type of Gun legislation is a situational opportunity based on self-interest by the representatives that wrote this. I’m sure they would be cheerfully in favor of polygamy, sodomy or cannibalism if the motivation behind the legislation would provide public awareness for them and future votes.
According to the 2nd Amendment the right of ownership by the people to keep and bear arms, I think the operative is “Shall not be infringed.” Last time I looked the word infringed means, “To encroach on someone or something.”
I believe this Legislation to be an Infringement on our Rights.
I already have a FOID card and do carry all of my guns in cases when transporting and they are under lock and key in my home.
This type of legislation is an infringement on gun ownership as well as a restriction of trade for companies of Illinois who manufacture firearms. This legislation infringes on ownership rights and progress’s the inability of responsible law abiding citizens to take care of themselves.
The criminal element in our Society is the problem and the issue. Gun Legislation or the over reach of a State government into the private sector to eliminate sales in Illinois does not solve the issue of the criminal element.
What this legislation will provide, is for the illegal transportation of truck loads of illegal guns into our cities and towns by the criminal element. They will not conceal their firearms in transportation nor will they conform to any legislation of Law. This legislation does not support or defend the Rights of Illinois residents; it makes them more vulnerable to our domestic enemies with illegal arms.
You will never be able to Legislate over Criminal Human Behavior their ‘Will’ will prevail.
This legislation is side-stepping what our Legislators have taken an Oath to do, “Defend our rights against our enemies.”
I think the ‘Oath of Office’ for civil service defines the responsibility of Legislators best;
To solemnly swear (or affirm) to “Support and Defend” the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic:”
The Enemy is the Criminal not the Citizen. Change or infringe the 2nd Amendendmnet and you are disarming citizens and in breach of your oath.
Focus legislation on changing the Rights of apprehended Criminals and you will “Support, Defend” and protect the Rights of the People of Illinois.
Russell A. Watson
624 Bryant Ave
Barrington, IL 60010
As long as there are any of the COOK COUNTY STATE ATTORNEYS involved in any of this bill. Nothing will be fair or impartial.
The Cook County State Attorneys Office has some of the most highest paid CRIMINALS who get away with their crimes because they won’t prosecute each other.
Apparent its regular for any involvement in the making of laws here in Illinois. The worst criminals are the ones making the goofy laws and destroying the lives for the very people who elected them into office so they could appoint hundreds of their own criminals.
I have been a volunteer for abused children in Illinois for over 15 years and can understand why the NUMBERS OF ABUSED kids go UP EVERY YEAR. It’s the judges and lawyers who make sure the kids stay with the abuser.
No No & No
We have sufficient laws that are not enforced now. Bring on Concealed Carry. the states that have adopted it have reduced violent crimes. In Illinois only the criminals have guns!!!
Stop and think for once!!!
Are you kidding me? Illinois gun manufacturers can’t sell their products to Illinois residents……give me a break. Why single out gun manufacturers, how about we tell all Illinois manufacturers that they can no longer sell their products to Illinois residents. I don’t think that would go over big with anyone. Lets really go crazy and say that Illinois laws only apply to residents of other states. How much are we (the tax payers) paying Mr. Acevedo to come up with such a hair-brained idea?
As a retired law enforcement officer I am opposed to HB 283, HB 5495, nad HB 5849. None of these bills will prevent crime or violence. It is just more laws that criminals will not obey and cause problems for honest law abiding firearms owners.
I would like to know what is a proper gun case. Gun cases range in price from $20 to hundreds of dollars. What concerns me about this Bill is what qualifies a gun case to be the proper case. Will we have to now spend hundreds of dollars on a gun case? I hope you take that into consideration when determining a proper case.
In comment to State Rep. Acevedo’s sponsored bill I would like to ask him if he thinks Illinois economy is well off? I ask this because it appears that his Bill would most likely take revenue out of the state as well as many gun shops having to close their doors. This Bill discriminates against Illinois businesses and it’s citizens by allowing only Police Officers to purchase firearms. I really don’t understand the logic of this Bill.
Steve Thunberg
It look like they want to have complete control over everyone lives as where the gun control come in. They can be vote out at next election to. The counties are cutting back on the sheriff department and the cities to. What they want the gangs to take over all of Illinois to like Chicago and other towns. Are these people part of the gamgs. Do what they are suppose to and enforce the law they already have why make more laws that soon they want have anyone to enforce them by cutting back on law enforcement anyway throught out Illinois. You can’t stop the gamgs and drug dealers from getting guns if they can’t get them in Illinois they will go to others states to get them these laws are only hurting the people that go by the law. Are they that stupid they don’t see this.
I did not see any measure where there would be increased action and penalties to criminals who should not have any firearms in the first place. All this does is penalize the honest citizen. Just enforce the present laws and keep guns out of unauthorized hands and pass a carry concealed law. Mexico has a law where no one should have guns, just listen to the news on how this works. Only the honest citizen has no guns and protection.
What makes the polititions think that passing a law requiring weapons to be transported in a special case stop the crimminals who don’t give a damn about laws in the first place?
To stop manufactures from selling weapons to Illinois residents would not stop the crimminals from getting weapons. If someone sells weapons for a living,he should have a license. He can cover the cost of his license in his volume of sales. The individule does not have this option. In maney cases, It would cost his/her more then it’s worth. If a license to sell your weapon is required, whats next? A license to sell your car? A license to sell your home? Will you need a license to buy a license to sell?
Oh gee, I feel so much safer now. I’ll know your idiotic gun laws work when Da Mayor gives up his body guards, and our own Chicago Alderman stop arming themselves because they live in bad areas. I’m the only one that can protect myself, and my family from harm. If anyone think guns cannot be purchased on the streets of Chicago because they are illegal, well drugs are illegal, and the city has done nothing to stop that problem. Look at the crime rate of the other states that have carry conceale laws. They sure are a lot lower than this state. Thank God I only come back for the summer from my wonderful state of Florida where they care about the people.
This is simple another CHICAGO attack on the citizens of this state.
When are the legislators going to represent the majority of the population that put them in office and quit letting Daily and his band of followers run the state.
If they relay think gun control is the answer why don’t they start by taking the right to carry away from Chicago Alderman!
Please represent the law abiding citizen of this state get rid of the economic impact firearms laws and enact the right to carry as 49 other states have
To pass ANY of the above would just prove to all Illinoians that our legislators are NOT listening to thier constituents, and have shown once again that their time spent in Springfield has been a total waste of they’re time and tax payers money! What a bunch of lossers! I can’t wait for the next election time to roll around! We may lose a few good encombents by cleaning house, but oh well….they’ve done nothing to change the system, so a clean sweep will just have to take out a few of the good ones, along with the majority of the bad!
When was the last time a Chicago Gang Banger purchased a weapon from a law abiding citizen. It is illegal to sell a gun to someone without a FOID Card now.
And how does the State have the authority to direct Federal License Holders? Is that not what the complaint with Arizona is?
And Sgt. John Hamilton, please expand on your statement. Do you mean that a police officer has walked up on a person or a vehicle and a gun discharged by itself because it was not in a proper case? Or perhaps the gun jumped out by itself and discharged. Do you think that a gang banger who is carrying an illegal weapon will no place it in a proper case so he does not violate the law?
Cook County is so sad on reality. Guns are illegal in Chicago and the murder rate is extremely high (if not, you would not push more laws). How many times does something have to be illegal to be a violation of the law?
Perhaps you should look at the judicial system that does very little to follow through with sanctions.
more chicago politics,and more rights infringed on.People will find a way to commit crime with or without guns.This isn a way to disarm law abiding citizens, then only the criminals have the weapons.
I agree with the first two although the second is rediculous because it is already required that guns are unloaded and in a case.
The last part about an Illinois resident not being able to purchase a gun manufactured in Illinois is unbeleivable. Lets not send any more business out of the state, but bring more in. What are these guys thinking?
All these proposals simply create more confusion around the basic Constitutional right to own firearms. As has always been true, the behavior of the person carrying a gun
needs “enforcement”–apply effectively existing law to the persons commiting the crimes–a much more challenging social demand than the legislature, executive, or judiciary seem capable of addressing.
I think you are all dumber than a box of rocks. You keep trying to pass gun laws to protect the public, but the laws do not stop the criminals from having guns, just the people that are law abiding citizens will not have guns.
ST REP OSTERMAN; If a farmer has a gun he wants to sell to his neighbor down the road, do you think your law will stop him from selling his gun. Not hardly!!!
As for having a proper gun carrying case, anyone I know that hunts or goes to a shooting range will have their gun cased like it is supposed to be. Only the criminals will not.
ST REP ACEVEDO, Your law sounds like it was made by someone from Chicago! Do you think that a person wanting to buy a gun will not go across the state line and get what he wants. Don’t you people have anything better to do, than try to make laws to get rid of guns. You tried that around Chicago and it isn’t working. If it weren’t for the Chicago area, the rest of the state would be in fine shape, gun wise and money wise. Its hard to believe you guys are so stupid.
You only make more problems for regular citizens. Do you think that the crooks with guns are buying them legitimately? They aren’t.
My personal feelings on these bills is :
#1 This is just another way to get the federal govt to get your address and info so they can find a way to impose some other tax.
#2 There is already a standard set for this measure. Would a holster be a proper container?
#3 All this bill would do is hurt the manufacturing businesses in Illinois. They’ve been hurt enough already.
just leave the gun laws alone , or just give us the right to carry and that has been proven in other states to cut down crime
In one of the most heavily regulated states in the Union, Maryland, firearms may be purchased utilizing the instant check vehicle mechanism implemented by government….no FOID is required in a state such as Maryland. Furthermore, ammunition may be purchase in that same state without the need to produce an FOID. The insanity of our politicians is overwhelming. The bad guys in Chicago still own guns without the need of an FOID and the murder rate proves the point yet the mayor for life insists regulations must be tighter. Buffonery is on the loose in Springfield.
What a joke. Now we have to go to another state to buy a firearm? So much for generating tax dollars for Illinois. We dont generate a whole lot in this state anyway except debt and crooked governors. What a joke.
Since 98% of the gun crimes in this state are from people that are illegal to own a gun anyway, just what good will adding more laws
due ? The bad guys could care less and they are always going to continue to break the laws !
STRICT ENFORCEMENT is the only logical way to deal with the
DIRT BAGS ! ! Making some farmer have a sturdy gun case WILL NOT make Chicago’s criminals one iota of difference !
law abiding gun owners are just that, LAW ABIDING. it’s not us that’s the problem, it’s the criminals, that’s why they’re called CRIMINALS. And how would having to go through a dealer make it easier? seems to me like more nonsense. And what good are lyou doing by banning Ill residents from purchasing firearms from Ill manufacturers? Go after the CRIMINALS!!!
As a citizen of the state of Illinois and a business owner I make these comments not to offend anyone. First off we already have laws on the books that state if you are a criminal you can not be in possesion of a firearm. Simple don’t make it harder for a honest law abiding citizen. Criminals will always get guns and it will never be legal. Why do we continue to think that taking guns away from law abiding citizens make you safer? If the gun grabbing Representatives would get their heads out of there back sides they would see that when the people don’t have the right to bare arms and protect themselves there ends up more crime. Look at all the countries that have disarmed there citizens. The crime rate has risen to higher levels. “Remember Guns Don’t Kill People, People Kill People.” And if you don’t think that is true then BAN Beer and pencils. Because beer drives cars and pencils misspell words.
Come on, how much longer are we going to allow Cook County politicians to run ruff-shod over the Second Ammendment? It is time for Illinois to have a conceal-carry law. I am a gun owner who is tired of politicians telling me what they consider to be good for me and the rest of the states gun owners. Some day, when violence strikes your family, you will wish you had passed conceal-carry.
Leave it up to Springfield to screw up gun ownership.
In response to the Chicago police officers comment, his fellow officers were shot by criminals, they are not going to obey the law they will still carry their guns out of a container. Apparently Osterman can’t figure this out either.
In response to Edward Acevedo, you will chase business out of Illinois and not allowing them to sell guns to illinois residents only affects law biding citizens, not the criminals, why can’t you understand plain english. The state is hurting for money and you are going to chase business out of the state, real intelligent.
I can’t wait for the supreme court to teach Chicago a lesson come June.
Then watch your crime rate drop. Maybe it will take that for you to learn.
Are all the representatives from Chicago such idiots?
The bill that prohibits Illinois gun manufacturers from selling guns to Illinois residents is absurd.. With our economy being so dismal, I can not support any measures to eliminate sales, being made by Illinois businesses.How anyone could possibly think that this will stop a criminal from acquiring a gun to be used for illegal activities is beyond reasonable thought process. And I question Acevedo’s longer term motives when he suggests that his bill would decrease the number of gun sales in Illinois. Tell us why Illinois residents shouldn’t have guns..
This only penalises the law abiding citizens and anyone from Chicago should know – the crooks who commit crimes don’t give a rats ass about the laws – anyone who would use a gun in a criminal act is not going to worry about following anymore gun laws nor are they even going to apply for a FOID card – quit wasting your time on this piddly stuff – the state of Il has a lot more important things to attend to – like balance the budget, eliminating wasteful spending, curbing crime, drug dealers, getting our schools back on track – so quit penalizing the law abiding citizens in this state and go after the real crooks on the streets and some in congress too
You’re wasting the tax payers money !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This only penalises the law abiding citizens and anyone from Chicago should know – the crooks who commit crimes don’t give a rats ass about the laws and probably half of them can’t read them either. Anyone who would use a gun in a criminal act is not going to worry about following anymore gun laws nor are they even going to apply for a FOID card – quit wasting your time on this piddly stuff – the state of Il has a lot more important things to attend to – like balance the budget, eliminating wasteful spending, curbing crime, drug dealers, getting our schools back on track – so quit penalizing the law abiding citizens in this state and go after the real crooks on the streets and some in congress too
You’re wasting the tax payers money !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think all the Democrats want to do is pass more and more gun laws, so they can secure theirselves a position in government forever. ” The best way to govern a People is to Disarm a People” Adolph Hitler said that, and Illinois Democrats and Democrats all over the United States are practicing this as we speak !!! I think all these bills and the ones to come are just a step closer to pure COMMUNISM !! All these laws are aimed at Chicago, well I don’t live in Chicago and never will. Do any of these law makers ever consider the effects these laws make on the rest of Illinois residents ? Maybe they should make a little trip to Southern Illinois and see how the rest of us live !!! They don’t have a clue !!!
Please oppose HB 5849, HB 5840 and HB 5495.
That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard of, IL gun manufactures not being able to sell to IL residents. That is cutting the throats of IL business because residents will just order guns from out of state. What on earth are you thinking of? I have a FOID card which in my mind means I have a legal right to purchase a fire arm if I desire. Does IL want my business or not because other states will gladly take it if you don’t. More and More of my constitutional rights are being taken away from me. I resent that. It’s time for a change.
Unbelievable. A state in desperate need to keep existing businesses and attract new business are wasting their time on this crap. These people need to go. How about passing a law requiring welfare receipients to pass drug tests?
the 2nd saws shall not be infringed WHAT PART OF THAT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ???? IF YOU DONT GO BACK TO SCHOOL (AIR HEAD)
This is why I’ll never vote Democrat.
The bill will not stop criminals from illegally carrying weapons.Does anyone honestly believe that a gang-banger,whoprobably has a record all ready,is going to worry about another little law to break.I sure don’t.
Once again, more stupid laws that only affect the law abiding! Criminals will still not go to a dealer to buy or sell guns, they will just break into your house and take them, (or buy them from those who do.) Police officers do not die because law abiding citizens do not have their guns in a stupid box! This in an insult to my inteligence.
Where in the US is the crime rate higher? Cities like Chicago where guns are banned, or Dallas TX where it is legal to carry?
Why should you get tax-payer funded security?
You say you will have to either raise taxes or lay off troopers… yet you fly around the State in Lear-Jets, have gold plated health-care and retirements, and give yourselves raises while the state goes down the tubes!