North Cook News

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) advocated for an affirmative vote on HB1092 that would amend the Criminal Code of 2012.

She sys the bill would avert firearm-related domestic violence and firearm suicides. The bill would also enhance awareness of the existing law, which Stoneback said is underutilized.

“I will say that I have been in contact and working on these kinds of laws for a very long time with experts,” Stoneback said. “Very rarely, only anecdotally, is any petitioner ever accused of bringing a false claim around one of these orders. This is a critical bill to prevent gun violence and mass shootings and we've been seeing one mass shooting after another every week. We have to remember Indianapolis. Last week in Indianapolis the mother of a 19-year-old shooter reached out to police and asked about concerns about his mental state. They did not fully Implement their version of our Firearms Restraining Order and that is why the tragedy happened. Here we have an opportunity to prevent a tragedy like that in Illinois so I strongly urge and would appreciate an aye vote.”

House Bill 1092 would also provide that the Illinois State Police submit an annual report to the General Assembly on the applications and issuance of firearms restraining orders, among other many changes.

A commission would also be created. It would be responsible for making advice on the strategies of increasing awareness and implementation of the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Stoneback explained that the commission will be composed of members of law enforcement and non-profit organizations, and will be chaired by the director of the Illinois State Police.

The bill was originally filed by Rep. Chris Welch. Stoneback, who recently became the chief sponsor, has requested to postpone consideration during the April 23 House Floor debate.