Illinois Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud House of Representatives for Voting to Strengthen the State’s Firearm Restraining Order Law

The Illinois chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass HB 1092, which would strengthen the state’s current Extreme Risk law, known in Illinois as the Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) law by: implementing an education program to promote awareness to the general public; developing a standard curriculum for police officer training on the current law; allowing FROs to be filed in a court in any county in the state where an incident that could give rise to a FRO occurred; and expanding the definition of family members to include former spouses, who often witness or are the victims of threatening or violent conduct involving firearms.

“There is no question Illinois is in the middle of a gun violence crisis and we need stronger gun laws,” said Rhiannon Jimenez, a volunteer leader with the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Today, our lawmakers recognized that and took important steps to keep guns out of the hands of people who pose a risk to themselves or others. This expansion would save countless lives from preventable gun violence like gun suicides and mass shootings and we are grateful that our lawmakers are working to prevent gun violence.”

“Our firearm restraining order law can’t save lives unless people feel informed and empowered to use it, and this bill would make sure we do,” said Kathy Pisabaj, a volunteer with Students Demand Action in Chicago and member of the Students Demand Action National Advisory Board. “We are thankful that the House voted today to make sure those who pose a risk to themselves or others don’t have easy access to a gun while they get the help they need. Illinois lawmakers continue to prioritize gun safety and make our state a safer place.”

Every year 1,400 people are shot and killed in Illinois. Gun violence costs Illinois $10.6 billion each year, of which $668.9 million is paid by taxpayers. Read about gun violence in Illinois here.