Illinois: Senate to Consider Overriding Veto on Dealer Licensing Bills

With the April 25^th deadline approaching, the Illinois state Senate is expected soon to consider overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto on legislation that would drive your local gun stores out of business with onerous red tape and regulations.  Please contact your state Senator and urge them to OPPOSE efforts to override the veto on SB 1657 and HB 1273.  Click the “Take Action” button below and also call 217-782-2000 to contact your state Senator.

Senate Bill 1657, sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-39), and House Bill 1273, sponsored by Representative Kathleen Willis (D-77), would create an onerous gun dealer licensing scheme within the state.  While the purported intent of this legislation was to enhance “responsible business practices,” these bills only prove that the intention is to close as many federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) as possible.  The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) licenses and closely monitors all FFLs and strictly enforces any violation of federal law.  SB 1657 and HB 1273 go so far beyond federal law in its mandatory regulations and red tape imposed at the state level that they would almost assuredly force the closure of most firearm dealers and prevent prospective owners from opening new ones.  This legislation seeks to create so many department divisions, anti-gun 5-member licensing boards, and licensing fees that dealers would be forced to close through oversight by anti-gun appointees or being priced out of business. 

Again, please click the “Take Action” button above and also call 217-782-2000 to contact your state Senator and urge them to oppose overriding the veto on SB 1657 and HB 1273.  In addition, click here to find your state Senator.