Let Your State Senator Know How You Feel About The BIO Bill

In Illinois, FOID cards, state permits to possess and purchase firearms, and background checks are essential tools to regulating the sale of firearms and curbing gun violence. While unlicensed sellers are generally required to check a person’s FOID card (the state permit to possess and purchase firearms), right now a point-of-sale background check is only required for gun sales at gun shows and by licensed gun dealers, but not all unlicensed sellers.

To address this problem, Illinois’ House of Representatives passed the Block Illegal Ownership (BIO) Bill. This bill addresses many of the gaps in current state law that enable day-to-day gun violence in Illinois. It would also make the FOID card valid for 5 years instead of 10 years, ensuring more frequent background checks to reduce the risk of people who become prohibited after obtaining a FOID card from accessing firearms.

The BIO Bill is now on its way to the Illinois Senate for a vote. To make sure your voice is heard in this important vote, we invite you to contact your state senator to let them know how you feel about this bill.