Illinois Gov. Pritzker signed a bill into law to overhaul the ID card program for gun owners in August. The wide-ranging law will reform Illinois’ gun law to prevent mass shootings and other gun-related crimes. Illinois residents must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to possess firearms or ammunition legally. The Illinois State Police issue FOID cards to qualified applicants.
Modernizing Illinois FOID Cards
The new law will take effect on January 1, 2022, making multiple changes to Illinois’ gun statutes. One of the most significant changes will be authorizing electronic FOID and Concealed Carry Licenses (CCL). As a result, the agency will provide a single card for FOID and CCL. Doing so will also update FOID and CCL renewal dates to be the same for a single cardholder. The law will also create a FOID Card Review Board to consider appeals on denied or revoked cards.
Incentives for Providing Fingerprints
Applicants for FOID cards will not be required to provide fingerprints. However, they do provide fingerprints to receive their Concealed Carry License.
Stolen Gun Database
In January 2022, the Illinois State Police must develop a stolen gun database through which potential buyers may search the gun’s serial number to see whether it is stolen. The State Police will also monitor state and federal databases for residents charged with firearms crimes. They must correlate these records with CCL and FOID to identify individuals who cannot own a gun.
Prohibited Persons Portal
State Police must create a “prohibited person portal” to track Illinois residents who have had their FOID cards suspended or revoked. Law enforcement agencies, the attorney general, and state attorneys will have access to the portal. The ISP will also be required to create a Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force to enforce the FOID card revocation or suspension enforcement. The task force will conduct enforcement operations for people with revoked or suspended licenses, prioritizing people who present a clear and present danger to themselves or others.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
This new law will probably be a positive for firearm owners due to its portability. However, innocent people are charged with firearms crimes every day. Are you facing a firearm-related charge? If so, you need an experienced attorney. At Glasgow & Olsson, our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in many high-profile state and federal criminal cases. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our legal team can fight for your rights if you have been charged with a crime.