New Regulations For Illinois Gun Dealers Take Effect Today

The Firearm Dealer License Certification Act applies to any business that leases, sells or trades firearms.

A law taking effect today, January 17, 2020, will impact firearms dealers, their certification and how they do business.

The Firearm Dealer License Certification Act applies to anyone or any business dealing with the selling, leasing, or transferring of firearms. It adds a layer of certification, forcing gun dealers to not only have a federal license but to also have a certification from the state of Illinois. In addition to state certification, the business must keep certain records, have secure gun storage, and a specific security camera system.

Critics of the law say it's redundant.

23 WIFR News:

"All this stems from the fact that a gun shop or a gun store in Chicago breaking the rules,” said State Senator Dave Syverson.

"This is an impingement on legal firearm sales not the illegal firearm sales that are floating around causing the problem,” said firearm dealer Keith Ruter.

Retailers say people who are buying guns legally are usually using them for safety purposes, for hunting, or for target practice.

"My guess is that most gun shops do the right thing already. But, this is a way to make sure that the bad actors are weeded out and that these security measures are put in place,” said Senator Steve Stadelman.

Some gun shop owners and lawmakers say there are ways to solve the problem of illegal sales without putting more burden on businesses.

"More laws to legal firearm owners are not going to do anything. We need to enforce the laws we already have, prosecute those who have done wrong, and build on that."

Former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner previously turned down a similar proposal. He said it was “duplicative” because the federal government dispenses licenses to gun retailers.