Shift gun-violence costs to manufacturers

Frequently, we feel frustrated that we’re unable to do anything to make our society better. Granted, some problems seem overwhelming, but here is something you can do to make lives in Illinois better. Firearm injuries in Illinois generate between $18 billion and $20 billion in direct and indirect costs annually. These costs result from over 6,000 injuries, suicides, homicides and accidental shootings. The costs are paid for by the affected families, taxpayers, hospitals, insurance companies and others. The gun manufacturer industry pays $0 yearly.

The Responsibility In Firearms Legislation (RIFL) Act would change this by shifting the costs from the public to the firearm industry. In order for gun manufacturers to be licensed to sell, distribute or import their products in Illinois they must make annual contributions to a special State Treasury Fund. Manufacturers’ annual contribution to the fund will be proportional to the number of its products recovered each year that are associated with injuries or deaths. This fund will directly assist victims affected by firearm injuries, whether from accident, suicide or an act of gun violence by helping with medical bills, rehabilitation, funeral fees, costs of job loss and mental health services as well as funding community gun violence prevention programs.

The bill incentivizes the gun industry to make their products safer. Some of these measures include, using biometrics, gun locks, safe storage and partnering with law enforcement to decrease interstate gun trafficking.

Cost/benefit analysis indicates in Year One, the act would save $297 million and by Year Three, $520 million. The state legislature will be voting on the RIFL Act soon. Call your state representative and senator and tell them to vote yes for the RIFL Act (HB3320/SB2279). This bill is a game-changer and a model for our country and something we all can support to make our lives better.

Gary Oltmans

Gurnee