The Illinois House has approved legislation that would raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained in juvenile facilities. The bill, which passed the House on a 69-40 vote, now heads to Governor JB Pritzker for his signature.
Key Provisions of the Safe Gun Storage Act
- Mandatory Locked Storage: The bill requires gun owners to secure any firearm in a locked container or with a device rendering it inoperable whenever they know or should reasonably know that a minor (under 18), an at-risk person, or someone prohibited from possessing firearms could access the weapon.
- Expanded Age Requirement: Current law mandates safe storage only for children under 14. SB8 raises this threshold to include all minors under 18.
- Definition of At-Risk Person: The act defines an “at-risk person” as someone whose behavior or statements indicate a likelihood of self-harm or harm to others.
- Civil Penalties: Violators face civil fines ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on the circumstances and whether the unsecured firearm is used to injure or kill1. If a minor, at-risk, or prohibited person obtains an unsecured firearm and causes harm, the owner could also be charged with negligence.
- Criminal Penalties: A separate provision allows for a $1,000 fine and a Class C misdemeanor if a minor under 18 causes death or bodily harm with an unsecured firearm, expanding previous law that applied only to minors under.
- Lost or Stolen Firearms Reporting: The bill shortens the reporting window for lost or stolen firearms from 72 to 48 hours. Repeated failure to report can result in revocation of a gun owner’s Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card.
- Database Enhancements: Illinois State Police must expand an online database of lost or stolen firearms, making it accessible to licensed firearm dealers by January 1, 2027, to prevent the sale or transfer of stolen weapons.
- Gun Trafficking Provisions: The legislation broadens the definition of firearms trafficking, making it a felony to transport a prohibited firearm through Illinois in violation of state law, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison.
Exemptions and Clarifications
- Concealed Carry: Firearms carried by individuals with a concealed carry license are exempt from the storage requirements.
- Unlawful Access: Gun owners are not liable if a minor, at-risk, or prohibited person uses a firearm in self-defense or if the weapon is accessed during a break-in.
Firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the U.S.
Governor Pritzker is expected to review the legislation in the coming weeks. If signed, the Safe Gun Storage Act would take effect January 1, 2026.
