Illinois is on the verge of tightening gun storage laws as the Safe Gun Storage Act, which mandates that firearm owners keep their guns locked away, heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for approval. The legislation, which passed both chambers of the state legislature, stipulates fines of up to $10,000 for owners who fail to securely store firearms, particularly when minors or individuals at risk are present.
This measure represents a significant change, broadening the current requirement that only applies to children under 14. It also includes provisions for reporting lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours, a reduction from the previous 72-hour timeline. As advocates push for enhanced safety in response to firearm-related tragedies, the bill has faced strong opposition from some lawmakers and gun rights groups, raising concerns over its implications for responsible gun owners.
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