SE Illinois News

State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) urged his colleagues to vote down House Bill 1091 – an overhaul of the Firearm Owner's Identification Card Act (FOID) – during the bill’s third reading at the House.

“This will do nothing but be a detriment to our local districts,” Niemerg said. “So, folks to think that we're solving the FOID, to think that we’re doing anything to help the issue that we're getting calls on a daily basis, is just completely false. So, I would urge a no vote.”

The first-term representative listed his problems with the bill.

“The facts are, this bill, HB 1091, requires fingerprints for renewal and the new applicants for FOID card, reduces the length of FOID cards from 10 to 5 years," he said. "Coincidentally, I’m waiting on mine right now and a lot of folks in my district are too, to the tune of a little over a year. It quadruples the cost and outlaws private sale of firearms.”

The bill would also require FOID applicants to undergo background checks.

It also “Provides that the Firearm Disposition Record shall contain a statement to be signed by the transferee that the transferee: (1) is aware of, and will abide by, current law regarding the unlawful transfer of a firearm; (2) is aware of the penalties for violating the law as it pertains to unlawful transfer of a firearm; and (3) intends to retain possession of the firearm or firearms until it is determined that the transferor is legally eligible to possess a firearm and has an active Firearm Owners Identification Card, if applicable, or until a new person is chosen to hold the firearm or firearms.”

House Bill 1091 narrowly passed the House with a 60-50 vote.