Gun Policy

We as a nation are in the middle of gun epidemic. I support the right to bear arms. As a youth, I spent much of my summer on a farm with relatives in Arkansas where there was a gun in almost every room. I understand the need of guns for both agriculture purposes and personal safety. I also believe that we as a state can do better in terms to closing loopholes that will keep us all safe. I present to you my proposals of the work I will do in Springfield to help with this issue.

Stricter Straw Buyer Gun Laws- A straw purchaser of a firearm is someone that purchases through a licensed firearm dealership with the intent to sell or give the gun away to someone else. There is currently no federal anti-trafficking law, but we can do better in Illinois. I will push for legislation that prohibits any person from using any of the state’s gun licenses for the purpose of purchasing a firearm for resale or transfer to an unlicensed person. With my legislation every purchaser of a gun will have to sign a legal document proclaiming that he or she is the “actual buyer” of the gun.

I am an advocate for fixing the FOID in Illinois. I believe that the FOID card duration should be reduced from 10 years to 5 years. I also believe that applicants for FOID cards should apply in person with the State police to submit fingerprints as part of their application. If for any reason the card is revoked, State Police should remove the guns from the possession of the owner.

I believe we need a state funded initiative to better educate the public on THE Fire Arm Restraining Order. The FRO law is a law that allows family members, household members, and law enforcement to work with the courts to remove firearms from people that are a danger to others or themselves. The education surrounding FRO will take a giant effort that will protect us all, and especially the men and women in uniform.

For conceal and carry gun owners, I am strongly in favor of having an insurance on the weapon that is to be carried. The average policy starts at roughly $15.00 per month. The highest level coverage costs is roughly $50.00 per month. This insurance should be linked to the permit to legally carry.

For those awaiting trial on violent offenses we need a freeze on obtaining legal firearms.We simply can’t risk the safety of our society any longer.

I support a ban on weapons labeled “assault weapons” being sold to civilians.