An Illinois bill to repeal the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card Act, HB 4067, has been introduced by Representative John Cabello and gained 15 co-sponsors.
When we got the state’s total switchblade ban repealed in 2017, we had to compromise to require a FOID card in order to possess an automatic knife. At a cost of $10 (good for 10 years), it is a relatively minor hurdle. Unless you are a prohibited person with regards to firearms possession, you are eligible for a FOID Card. Those younger than 21 can get a FOID card with parent or guardian sponsor that is eligible for a FOID card. This bill would remove that requirement.
One issue that has developed recently is that the Illinois State Police have a backlog of over 60,000 people trying to get or renew their FOID Card. That obviously is an obstacle to anyone wanting to possess an automatic knife, if they don’t already have a FOID Card. Of note, Illinois is one of only five states that require residents to pay the state to get a firearms ID card. New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Hawaii are the other three.
In addition to this legislation, our good friends at the Second Amendment Foundation and the Firearms Policy Coalition/Firearms Policy Foundation are involved in Federal and State (respectively) litigation challenging the constitutionality of the FOID Act.
We will let you know when it is time to contact the legislature on this bill.