Illinois lawmakers are now considering Senate Bill 1657, a far reaching regulatory scheme aimed at firearms retailers that critics call “dangerous” an attempt to drive gun dealers out of business.
The Illinois House Judiciary Committee has passed SB 1657 earlier this week and it is now on “third reading,” which means it could come up for a vote at any moment. This legislation, according to its critics, adds mountains of red tape for Prairie State firearms dealers on top of the regulations already enforced by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms encourages its Illinois members to contact their state representatives about this legislation.
Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said if the measure passes, it could be in direct conflict with existing state law. He also said it could cost firearms dealers more than $2 million, according to some estimates, and the number of gun retailers in the state could decline dramatically.
To find your lawmaker, visit the Illinois State Rifle Association’s website.