Gov. Pritzker signs new law expands background checks that streamline the FOID and concealed-carry process

Posted on August 2, 2021
Gov. Pritzker signed the bill on Monday. (Photo courtesy: Gov. Pritzker/Facebook)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker Monday had a busy day of signing bills.

Gun legislation tries to strike a balance between honoring the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

“Responsible gun owners who opt into this process will see their FOID and concealed-carry applications expedited: not only at application, but for every renewal thereafter,” said Pritzker. “Crucially, we are also formalizing into law some of the (preventive) actions that the Illinois State Police has taken. That includes giving all Illinois law enforcement agencies access to the FOID status of any individual.”

Expanded background checks are also part of the new law.

Also, the governor signed bills expanding protections for undocumented Illinoisans. That includes adding immigration status to the criteria of hate-crime legislation. Pritzker responded to criticism about focusing on those here illegally rather than helping legal immigrants through the naturalization process by saying he’s doing that by working with the federal government; that it’s not an either / or proposition.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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