Bailey Files Bill to Eliminate FOID Cards

Print

Published on April 12 2021 10:56 am
Last Updated on April 12 2021 12:29 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Darren Bailey 2020

St. Sen. Darren Bailey has filed legislation to eliminate the state's FOID program.

Bailey said the backlog of unprocessed Firearm Owners ID card applications has had an impact on people's Second Amendment rights. "FOID cards may have served a purpose in the days before comprehensive and often instant background checks were possible or feasible, but that's not the case anymore. The State has been unable or unwilling to keep up with FOID card applications, turning the program into a major roadblock for law-abiding gun owners. It's time to void the FOID and restore people's God-given constitutional rights."

Bailey said recent media reports indicate the State's backlog for FOID card application processing is averaging 119 days, and that firearm purchases now also require a background check to be performed at the time of purchase, which Bailey says renders the FOID process duplicative and unnecessary.

Bailey's legislation, Senate Bill 1948, would repeal the FOID act and eliminate FOID requirements in other parts of state law. The bill is currently assigned to the Senate Executive Committee's Firearms Subcommittee.