Gun Storage Bill Imposes Stricter Regulations, $10K Fine If Stolen Gun Is Used In Crime

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A new "safe storage" bill intended to keep dangerous firearms out of the hands of children, people who are at-risk and those who would use them to commit crimes has passed through the Illinois General Assembly and is headed for Gov. JB Pritzker's desk to be signed.

Current Illinois law requires a weapon to be secured if anyone under 14 is present. Senate Bill 8 would expand that requirement to if any minor is present in the home, as well as any at-risk or prohibited person.

"We’ve heard too many tragedies involving firearms that could have easily been prevented," said Rep. Maura Hirschauer. “I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with this legislation where I anticipate the governor will agree with its importance. Putting a law like this in our books means we’re taking the necessary steps to address the deadly implications of firearms not being properly stored and falling into the wrong hands.”

A violation of the law would result in a $500 fine and would increase to $1,000 if a person "knows or reasonably should know" that a minor, at-risk person or prohibited person is present and obtains the firearm.

If a minor, at-risk person or prohibited person uses the firearm in connection with a crime or a suicide, it could result in a fine of up to $10,000.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive—in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives."

The bill aims to prevent tragic accidents like the one that took a 2-year-old boy's life in 2021 in Joliet. The gun, which was legally owned by the boy's father, was stored in a television stand where the toddler was able to access it and accidentally shoot himself.

According to data from the Illinois State Democrats, nearly 54 percent of gun owners in the state said they do not securely lock all of their firearms and 82 percent of adolescent suicides involve a gun that belonged to a family member.

“Unfortunately, children and teens are most at risk of injury or death because of unsecured guns, and Illinois has seen over 1,700 gun-related deaths due to firearms not being locked away,” Senator Laura Ellman said. “This measure addresses these risks and the rising number of gun-related deaths and injuries by strengthening Illinois storage safety standards.”