SPRINGFIELD – A longstanding champion of gun safety legislation – and advocate for survivors of domestic violence – State Senator Julie Morrison proudly supported a measure to ensure people with domestic violence-related restraining orders may have their firearms revoked in an appropriate amount of time.

“Karina's Law focuses on a critical, shared goal: preventing those who pose a threat from accessing firearms, while strengthening coordination between law enforcement and advocacy groups to protect domestic violence survivors,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Protection orders must serve their intended purpose by ensuring those who pose a threat are promptly disarmed.”

House Bill 4144 – also known as Karina's Law– would strengthen firearm removal requirements when domestic violence protection orders are issued. Law enforcement agencies would be required to remove firearms from individuals due to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge’s order.

This new policy provides clear guidelines for enforcement, ensuring consistent application across the state and addressing the risks associated with firearms and domestic violence situations. The legislation follows the July 2023 deaths of Karina Gonzalez and her teenage daughter Daniela, who were allegedly killed by Gonzalez's husband shortly after obtaining a protection order against him. Under that order, no steps were taken to make sure he gave up his guns.

In domestic violence cases, a gun in the home increases the risk of homicide by 500%, according to a report from The Network – an organization advocating against domestic violence.

“Research shows domestic violence situations involving firearms present severe and potentially lethal risks to survivors,” said Morrison. “The system has long failed women in Illinois, and I am proud we stepped up to protect future survivors.”

House Bill 4144 passed the Senate Monday.