Governor again has bill extending waiting period for all guns sold in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD — A measure that would extend a 72-hour waiting period on sales of all guns sold in Illinois is now before the governor.
State Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr., D-Chicago, was the chief sponsor of SB 3256.
Current Illinois law requires a 72-hour waiting period to obtain handguns after purchase, but assault weapons, including the AR-15 and other military-style weapons, can be collected in just 24 hours.
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed waiting period legislation earlier this past legislative session. SB 3256 matches a proposal he made in that amendatory veto.
“Having an across-the-board ‘cooling off’ period for firearms could prevent people from causing harm to themselves or others,” said Sims (shown). “Requiring a 72-hour waiting period is a commonsense reform that will help keep our communities safe.”
He added: “We must take every step we can to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. I believe this measure will help save lives by preventing someone from making a violent snap judgment that leads to actions that could have been prevented.”
This waiting period will give law enforcement ample time to do proper background checks as well as provide a “cooling off” period for people who may hurt themselves or someone else.
