SPRINGFIELD – In recent years, Illinois has seen over 1,700 gun-related deaths, with firearms being the leading cause of death for children and teens. To prevent further harm and keep Illinois families safe, State Senator Laura Ellman is leading a measure to strengthen safety standards for both firearm owners and individuals with potential access to such firearms.

“Unsecured firearms pose a risk to children and their families,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure will help ensure owners of firearms store them in a safe and secure manner, preventing unnecessary injury or death.”

Under current law, firearm owners in Illinois must keep their guns temporarily inoperable and in a securely locked container or location a minor under age 14 without a FOID card would not have reasonable access to.

Because firearm owners are only required to consider the presence of children under the age of 14, Ellman introduced a measure that would expand these requirements. Senate Bill 8 would require firearm owners to be aware of all children – of any age – who may have access to their guns and securely store them in a locked container if they know a minor could access them.

“I’ve known firearm owners who secure their guns and proactively keep them secured so kids and teens can’t reach them,” said Ellman. “This law clarifies and brings Illinois to that standard.”

Senate Bill 8 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Thursday.