SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a recently signed law to ensure people store their guns in a safe and secure manner.

“Recognizing that unsecured guns pose a public health risk is an important step in preventing accidental injuries and deaths,” Morrison said. “These programs will serve as a reminder of the lethal power of firearms and that proper storage can help prevent tragic accidents.”

Morrison sponsored a law signed Friday that directs the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop a two-year, multi-phase statewide firearm storage and safety campaign that would include distribution of gun locks and safes, buyback programs in partnership with law enforcement and an evaluation piece to measure the impact of the program.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an unsecured gun in the home can be extremely dangerous, especially for children. Every year, nearly 1,300 children die from accidental shootings and many more are seriously injured.

“Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago commends Senator Morrison for her outstanding leadership in enacting legislation that will help address gun violence, a public health crisis with tremendous negative and lasting consequences for children, families, and communities in Illinois,” said Dr. Tom Shanley, president & CEO at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  "With suicide and homicide continuing to rank in the top 3 leading causes of death for children and young adults, ages 10-24, this legislation is critical to help safeguard Illinois children and families.“

House Bill 4729 was signed into law Friday.