Tomorrow, May 17, at 1:00pm, the Illinois House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear House Bill 1016. This is your last chance to file witness slips. Please also contact members of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee and politely urge them to OPPOSE House Bill 1016.
Last week, state Representative Kathleen Willis proposed an amendment to Rep. Michael Madigan’s shell bill, House Bill 1016. As we reported previously, former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords joined with anti-gun Illinois legislators to announce their creation of an anti-gun coalition. While the purported intent of this coalition was to enhance “responsible business practices,” this proposed legislation only proves that their express intention is to close as many federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) as possible. NRA members and Second Amendment supporters are strongly encouraged to file witness slips in opposition to this anti-gun bill.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) licenses and closely monitors all FFLs and strictly enforces any infringement of federal law. HB 1016 goes far beyond federal law in its mandatory regulations and red tape imposed at the state level that it would almost assuredly force the closure of most firearm dealers, and prevent prospective owners from opening new ones. This legislation seeks to create so many department divisions, anti-gun 5-member licensing boards, and licensing fees that dealers would be forced to close through oversight by anti-gun appointees or being priced out of business.
Again, it is more important than ever that NRA members and Second Amendment supporters file witness slips in opposition to House Bill 1016. Also, please click the “Take Action” button above to contact members of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee and politely urge them to OPPOSE House Bill 1016 when it comes up for a vote.