FOID updates signed into law by governor

 

From Illinois Business Journal news services

SPRINGFIELD – A series of updates to FOID card and concealed carry rules were signed into law Friday.

The new law allows people with mild disabilities to appeal state police decisions to revoke or deny a firearms owner’s identification card. The legislation stemmed from the case of Brent Nicholson, a Quincy native and lifelong hunter whose FOID card was revoked by the state after 13 years because of rules in the 2013 concealed carry law.

“These are all common-sense rules that balance safety and our second amendment rights. I’m glad we can give people a fair chance to prove they can safely use a firearm, and I appreciate Gov. Rauner signing this legislation,” said state Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, who sponsored the measure.

The new law updates how developmental disabilities are described under the law to match current medical definitions and updates reporting guidelines.

In addition to the FOID updates, the legislation also clarifies rules governing concealed carry in Illinois.

These updates include:

• Allowing a concealed-carry license to be used in place of a FOID card when purchasing firearms or ammunition.

• Clarifying the actions of emergency service personnel when securing a firearm during emergencies.

• Allowing a concealed-carry licensee to exit a vehicle in a prohibited parking lot to secure his or her firearm in the trunk.

• Allowing non-Illinois residents to purchase firearms at the Sparta World Shooting Complex in Sparta.

The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2016.