SB1521 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 27002 RLC 53369 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB1521

Introduced 2/8/2023, by Sen. Laura Ellman

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

720 ILCS 5/24-9.1 new
720 ILCS 5/24-9 rep.

Provides that the Act may be referred to as Ethan's Law. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is unlawful for a person to store or keep any firearm on the premises of a residence under the control of the person if the person knows, or reasonably should know, that: (1) a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the parent or guardian of the minor; or (2) a resident of the residence is ineligible to possess a firearm under federal, State, or local law. Provides exemptions for safe storage of the firearm. Provides that a person who commits a violation is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined $500 per violation. Provides that if a person violates this provision and a minor or a resident who is ineligible to possess a firearm under federal, State, or local law obtains the firearm and causes injury or death to the minor, resident, or any other individual, the person is guilty of a Class 2 felony. Provides that any firearm stored in violation of this provision is subject to seizure and forfeiture. Repeals provisions of the Code relating to firearms and child protection.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning criminal law.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. This Act may be referred to as Ethan's Law.

Section 5. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by adding Section 24-9.1 as follows:

(720 ILCS 5/24-9.1 new)

Sec. 24-9.1. Secure firearm storage by owners.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), it is unlawful for a person to store or keep any firearm on the premises of a residence under the control of the person if the person knows, or reasonably should know, that:

(1) a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the parent or guardian of the minor; or

(2) a resident of the residence is ineligible to possess a firearm under federal, State, or local law.

(b) This Section does not apply to a person if the person:

(1) keeps the firearm:

(A) secure using a secure gun storage or safety device; or

(B) in a location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or

(2) carries the firearms on his or her person or within such close proximity thereto that the person can readily retrieve and use the firearm as if the person carried the firearm on his or her person.

(c) Any person who violates subsection (a) is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined $500 per violation. If a person violates subsection (a) and a minor or a resident who is ineligible to possess a firearm under federal, State, or local law obtains the firearm and causes injury or death to the minor, resident, or any other individual, the person is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

(d) Any firearm stored in violation of subsection (a) is subject to seizure and forfeiture.

(720 ILCS 5/24-9 rep.)

Section 10. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by repealing Section 24-9.