Setting record straight on guns
Recently, a very misleading postcard was mailed to residents here in central Lake County asserting that I voted against background checks on all handgun sales. That is simply not true. The postcard was the work of a special interest group targeting me and other legislators in regard to our vote on House Bill 758, legislation specifically pertaining only to the sale of handguns between private citizens - both of whom are qualified Firearm Owners Identification card holders.
I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight.
All Illinois residents who buy or possess firearms, including handguns, are required by law to have a valid FOID card. FOID cards are issued by the Illinois State Police after they conduct a background check of the applicant (a 30-day process).
Under Illinois law, all private sales of firearms must include an examination of the purchaser's FOID card. In addition to checking the purchaser's FOID card, the seller in a private gun sale is required to withhold the firearm from the buyer for 24 hours, if the firearm being transferred is a long gun (rifle or shotgun). If the gun being transferred is a handgun, the seller in a private gun sale must withhold the firearm from the buyer for 72 hours. The seller is also required to keep a private record of the firearm transfer.
The FOID card system and other controls on private gun sales work well here in Illinois. The Illinois FOID law is the toughest of its kind in the nation.
In addition to our FOID check requirements, current law also provides that all private transfers at Illinois gun shows must include an electronic background check. Participants in Illinois gun shows must do an instant background check of their purchasers before transferring the gun to them. This is true whether or not the gun-show participant is a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Also, Illinois must cooperate with the FBI and participate in our new nationwide system to share information about persons with mental health issues or a felony criminal history; factors that prohibit such people from obtaining a FOID card or legally purchasing a firearm.
Our top priorities should be to ensure that those with a felony criminal history, serious mental health issues, and persons whom have orders of protection issued against them are prohibited from obtaining a FOID card and legally purchasing a gun, while at the same time protecting the rights of all other law-abiding Illinoisans. This is a reasonable and responsible policy that strikes a healthy balance between public safety and the rights of Illinois citizens to obtain a FOID card and legally purchase a gun.
These are the facts. If you have questions or concerns, contact my office directly at (847) 543-0062. It remains my honor and privilege to serve you in the Illinois General Assembly.
Sandy Cole
State Representative
62nd District
Grayslake