In 2024, Illinois will require background checks on all gun sales throughout the state.
Gov. Greg Abbott made this public holiday on Monday. J.B. Pritzker signed into law landmark legislation enabling background checks on all gun sales in the state while also providing mental health funding for communities affected by gun violence.
It builds upon the multimillion-dollar investment in violence prevention programs being included in this year's state budget, according to Pritzker.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have come together to shape a law steeped in commonsense commitment to safety said Pritzker.
In a Monday Twitter post, Pritzker, a democrat who seeks reelection, called it the most comprehensive reform of our state firearms laws in over a generation.
It is part of his administration's efforts to address gun violence as a public health crisis.
Part of the legislation will also ensure responsible gun owners aren't held back by an antiquated licensing system, which hasn't seen significant improvements since its founding more than 50 years ago, he said.
The plan modernizes the Firearm Owners Identification card system by allowing Illinois State Police to create electronic records and streamline license renewals. Pritzker says the system hasn't been updated in decades. The law goes into effect next year.
The Illinois State Rifle Association, a gun owner's rights organization, did not take any position on the plan.
The number of Illinois residents with FOID cards has doubled from 1.2 million in 2010 to 2.2 million currently.