SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey, a candidate for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, declared his unwillingness to comply with the controversial Protect Illinois Communities Act.

The mandated registration of over 170 types of commonly owned firearms went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.  

Bailey, however, has been vocal about his opposition to the legislation, stating that he would not comply with it.

“I'll be here putting together this puzzle waiting for Pritzker to knock on my door and take my guns. I will not comply,” Bailey said on X.

Bailey, who has consistently opposed gun control, criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker for pursuing the effort from the confines of his secure mansion with private security.

"If he wants our firearms, he’ll have to pry them from our cold, dead hands. This is America, where we’ve fought for our freedoms with unwavering resolve throughout history," Bailey declared in November 2023.

Bailey’s comments come as the Jan. 1 deadline passed.

Gun rights advocates have noted concerns over data privacy and pending 2nd Amendment legal challenges regarding their opposition to registering their firearms.

The General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) faced criticism for delays in finalizing registry rules, leaving firearm owners in continued uncertainty about compliance with the 2023 law. JCAR put temporary rules in effect regarding the registry until Feb. 11.

JCAR, responsible for overseeing state agency rulemaking, previously postponed decisions on proposed rules, citing the need for further research and consideration.

More than 6,000 people filed affidavits for 12,000 guns, 6,000 accessories and 117 ammunition disclosures following several meetings by JCAR.

Firearm owners face continued uncertainty as the JCAR delays action on final rules.

Bailey, a former state senator and the 2022 GOP candidate, possesses strong ties to southern Illinois, having spent his formative years on the Bailey Family Farm.

Currently, he owns and operates the farm alongside his sons. Under their management, Bailey Family Grain, Bailey Family Freight, and BNB Excavating flourish, reflecting their dedication to establishing a lasting legacy and realizing their dairy farming aspirations.

Illinois’ 12 Congressional District includes Monroe, Randolph, Clinton, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson, Williamson, Jefferson, Marion, Clay, Effingham, Wayne, Hamilton, Saline, Pope, Hardin, Gallatin, White, Edwards, Wabash, Richland, Lawrence, Jasper, Crawford, Cumberland and Clark Counties a well as most of St. Clair County, and half of Coles County.

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) has held the seat since 2015.