North Cook News

Illinois lawmakers have submitted a slate of new measures that could engender debate in the current legislative session.

Under legislation filed by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), gun owners would be required to carry a $1 million insurance policy.

According to the bill’s synopsis on the General Assembly website, HB 5170, “Provides that an applicant for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card or for renewal of that Card must submit to the Illinois State Police that he or she has proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 for accidental injuries caused by a firearm.”

The bill was referred to the House Rules Committee on Feb. 18.

In a story posted on The Center Square, Kailey Pritchard, owner of Raging Bullet Guns and More in Auburn, described the bill as “ridiculous.”

“I have loyal customers, they’re not going to get rid of their guns,” she said. “They’ll pay what they have to. Or they’ll just move out of state.”

A bill from state Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) would ban bars and restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless a patron requests one. On Thursday, SB 2920 was assigned to the Agriculture Committee, according to the Illinois General Assembly website.

Another bill submitted before the filing deadline earlier would prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers. SB 3313, filed by state Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview), was referred to the Assignments Committee on Feb. 14.

“Whether it be banning plastic straws, leaf blowers or robbing Americans of their first amendment rights, the end game is the same; extinguishing the flames of freedom of which this country has fought for hundreds of years to achieve," Dr. Jeffrey Leef, a former Republican Congressional candidate, told the North Cook News in response to the proposed measures.

Another controversial proposal, HB 4571, which has since been tabled, would have required gas station attendants to pump gas.