Law allows firearm permit grace period during renewal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a law that allows Firearm Owners Identification cards to stay active even if Illinois State Police renewal isn't completed by their expiration date.

Rauner's action Friday gives the state police 60 business days to review and approve FOID card renewals. The previous law was 30 calendar days and FOIDs were invalid if expiration occurred during the process.

The measure was sponsored by Republican Rep. Barbara Wheeler of Crystal Lake and Chicago Democratic Sen. Antonio Munoz. It also clarifies reporting standards for hospitals to help state police intervene to prevent gun-death suicides.

Rauner also signed a law that allows police officers to seek mental health treatment and not lose their FOID cards if they pose no danger to themselves or others.

The bills were HB4855 and HB5231 .