SPRINGFIELD – Current Illinois law requires mental health professionals inform the Illinois State Police when patients are determined to be a clear and present danger to themselves, others or the public. The acquired information is used to ensure that those individuals cannot possess a Firearm Owner Identification Card, which is legally required in Illinois to own a firearm.

“Events across the country have highlighted what happens when individuals with mental illness have access to firearms,” State Senator Julie Morrison (D –Deerfield) said. “It is important we follow up with the information already being collected to safeguard against potentially tragic events.”

While Illinois’ new system is hailed by many as one of the strongest mental health reporting systems nationwide, there remains a disconnect between identifying potential threats and ensuring that people who shouldn’t have guns don’t have them.

Morrison has introduced a proposal that would require that local law enforcement follow up with individuals whose FOID card has been revoked. While police departments currently have the ability to investigate when FOID cards are not turned in, a Chicago Sun-Times report highlighted many departments across the state that fail to do so. 

Senate Bill 2211 requires police departments to check in with individuals who have not complied with the 48-hour requirement to surrender their FOID card and notify police as to the whereabouts of their firearms.

The proposal was recently introduced and has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.