Illinois Enacts Gun Storage, Tracing Laws To Curb Violence

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed two significant gun safety laws aimed at preventing unauthorized access to firearms and enhancing police tracing of guns used in crimes. The Safe Gun Storage Act requires owners to securely store firearms in locked containers to prevent access by minors, at-risk individuals, or prohibited persons, with escalating civil fines up to $10,000 if the weapon is used in a crime. Additionally, a new law mandates that all Illinois law enforcement agencies participate in the federal firearm tracing platform eTrace to ensure consistent reporting and cross-county tracing of guns recovered from crime scenes or seized for unlawful possession or use. Pritzker emphasized his frustration with political inaction and the influence of the gun industry, highlighting the preventable nature of gun violence and the need for proactive measures. These laws come amid increasing legal challenges to state gun regulations, including a pending federal court case on Illinois’ assault-style weapons ban. The storage law will take effect in 2026, while the tracing requirement is effective immediately, reflecting Illinois’ ongoing commitment to combating gun violence through common-sense policies.