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Legislation eliminates FOID card in Illinois

The following legislative update was released by the office of state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville.

Those wanting to purchase firearms would no longer need to possess a FOID card under legislation filed recently. Senate Bill 2535 would repeal the Firearm Owners Identification Act, which supporters of the bill say is outdated and redundant.

“The reality is, the requirement of FOID cards was a bureaucratic push to make it harder for Illinois residents to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville. “We should be seeking ways to prevent criminals from accessing firearms, not adding to the red tape, costs and hurdles placed on law-abiding gun owners.”

The FOID Act was created in 1968 as a way to identify people who were eligible to own firearms as part of a public-safety initiative in Illinois to meet the requirements of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968. However, with updated technology allowing for the use of instant background checks, the bill’s sponsors say the FOID card serves no real purpose.

While Senate Bill 2535 would eliminate the need for a person to own a FOID card, it would not change any of the other requirements for purchasing a firearm. Those who buy a firearm would still need to undergo strict federal background checks at the time of purchase.

First round of funding in statewide broadband expansion announced

On Jan. 5, it was announced that $50 million in funding is being released for the first round of matching grants of Illinois’ $420 million statewide broadband expansion. Applicants for the grant are anticipated to include Internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments.

Grant responses for the first round of funding can be submitted through April 3, with up to $5 million available per project. Interested applicants can find more information about the Notice of Funding Opportunity at https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GATA/Pages/2366-1333.aspx.

The Rebuild Illinois capital plan has slotted $420 million toward broadband expansion — $400 million for the grant program and $20 million to strengthen the Illinois Century Network. The matching requirements in the grant program will leverage state funds to attract at least an additional $400 million from Internet service providers.

Illinois reminds taxpayers to take advantage of Earned Income Tax Credit

Tax season has begun as federal and state W-2 forms arrive in the mail, but according to the Illinois Department of Revenue, thousands of eligible taxpayers fail to claim both the Illinois Earned Income Credit and the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

IDOR acting Director David Harris says those taxpayers are missing out on thousands of dollars.

Anyone eligible for the federal EITC automatically qualifies for the Illinois EIC, which is a refundable tax credit worth up to 18 percent of a taxpayer’s federal claim. However, IDOR says nearly 20,000 Illinoisans claimed a federal EITC credit without also claiming the state EIC, leaving more than $5 million unclaimed.

To be eligible for the tax credit programs, taxpayers must meet certain income and residency qualifications and file a tax return, even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. To find out if your family qualifies for the credit, visit the Internal Revenue Service’s EITC Assistant.

Group wants you to pick coolest things made in Illinois

In addition to filling in college basketball brackets, Illinoisans can pick winners for another March tournament that will determine the “coolest thing made in Illinois.”

IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler wants to showcase the wide range of items made in the state. He said most people don’t realize what all is made in Illinois.

Manufacturing accounts for 12 percent of Illinois’ gross domestic product and a $304 billion economic output — the largest of any industry in the state, according to the IMA. More than 592,000 people are employed in the industry.

“We have to attract the next generation of workers to Illinois,” Denzler said. “By showing the products and companies that are here, hopefully we can also help provide that next pipeline of workers.”

64 Comments

  1. Steve Klein on February 11, 2020 at 10:53 am

    They are stepping all over my 2nd Amendment Rights as they will not reissue/renew your foid card if you have a medical marijuana card. So, with recreational marijuana legal in Illinois are they going to make every person that tries to renew their foid card prove that they do not use recreational drugs?

    • Branden Parrish on February 11, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      Illinois isn’t one you need to worry about . When you fill out the background check and say upu dont use a controlled substance. By sayin you dont but you do smoke weed its still illegal federally . So by say you dont you committed a felony so then they take all your guns and put you in prison. Just food for thought . The Democrats are doing their best to take our guns.

    • Tommy g on February 11, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      Eh that’s not true, IL changed the law and those with medical card can get FOID cards and CCW. But you are not qualified to purchase a firearm due to Federal requirements. State police will reject your application for a firearm. Personal experience

    • Mark on February 12, 2020 at 8:33 am

      Steve I agree with you…. but it is ok to allow a drunk to carry a gun…. so where is the logic..

      • Brenda on February 15, 2020 at 1:04 pm

        You are not allowed to carry a gun if you have been drinking

      • Ron on March 8, 2020 at 11:56 am

        Exactly

    • Street on October 25, 2020 at 6:01 am

      That’s not correct! If you have a medical marijuana card the state recognize it but the government is not in on your application it asked if you are addicted to any narcotics. I’m positive because I had to give up mine because I was not allowed to buy a gun once I had my medical card.
      So it’s been two years now I just purchased a gun and I’m waiting 25 days and still no reply but they only allow us 30 so I have no idea what I’m gonna do. But you can get a FOID with a medical card but not from a FFL dealer.But having a medical card won’t allow an application for concealed carry. The state and the government have two separate rules if you look them up you’ll see both sides.I have heard last month alone in IL 500K Applications went out for their FOID card. we have a nationwide shortage animal and handguns at this time.

      • Sue on November 5, 2020 at 1:57 pm

        Street — Did you have to give up your medical marijuana card to buy the gun? I need one for home defense because I’m being stalked by a dangerous felon (with a gun).

        I thought the current law is you can get a FOID card but not buy from a federally licensed gun dealer.

        I have no idea where else to access a reliable appropriate firearm.

        This sucks.

        • LA on November 15, 2020 at 2:19 pm

          I have my medical card and applied for my FOID card in early May 2020. I have yet to get any response from the state of Illinois even though by law I should have a written result within 30 days. The joy of this f***ed up state. I can’t wait to until I am able to move!

          • glenn sommers Jr on December 7, 2020 at 12:29 am

            Way I see it fold cards should be done way state of illinois has the right tell me or something else you can’t buy a gun that like my self asking my dead Mom and dad can I go to Walmart it about money soon as jb that fat ass is out of office this will all change I hope



          • TomB on March 31, 2021 at 5:43 am

            LA, I have ran into this same issue twice now. I applied august of 20 and got denied due to lack of paperwork that’s my bad, but didn’t receive notice until November of 20 still more than 30 days. Reapplied again with proper paperwork and payment again in November of 20 and I’m still waiting. 30 days? Like illinois will actually do something in 30 days other than raise taxes and screw the law abiding citizens to benefit those who milk our system



  2. Bobby on February 11, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    I assume there will still be a background check? What about residents that have non violent felony’s on their record? Can they still purchase a firearm?

    • Matthew on February 11, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Wondering same thing. As long as a gun was not used in a crime anyone with a criminal background should have their 2nd amendment rights.

      • Sarah on February 12, 2020 at 5:50 am

        Criminal background is different, if you have a felony charge, you aren’t allowed to buy a gun period. If you want that opportunity then you have to go in front of the judge and that should have been listed in the plea charge. Some cases have been charged with a felony, with granting to still carry FOID card. If it’s not listed and you have a felony then no! Rules don’t change, just because no foid card. They still run background check!

    • clay on February 13, 2020 at 1:27 am

      i have a felony conviction on my record and did 6 years in Illinois prisons. i own many firearms legally. i can pass a background check.

      • Zion Richardson on June 21, 2020 at 10:08 am

        How? I want to get one too! Have similar background as you but only did 2 yrs.

        • Julie on February 20, 2021 at 6:28 pm

          I applied for my FOID card back in August of 2020. Still have not received my card as of February 19, 2021. Have not received any updates even after emailing 6 times. Still don’t know the status of my application. Any suggestions on what to do?

          • Sandra Nickols on March 27, 2021 at 12:11 pm

            I’m in the same boat. I applied for my card the minute I moved here last July and no card, no contact, no response to voicemails or emails.



      • Allen on September 9, 2020 at 12:29 pm

        I have non-violent felonies and served 3 years in prison. I was in possession of firearms in my home at time of arrest and got charged X. After release I also got a speeding ticket (new car). Am aware of 7 year wait period before refiling for new FOID card. How do you own firearms legally? I’ve been told I stand a snowballs chance in Hades.

      • Alfredo Guerrero on October 21, 2020 at 10:44 pm

        🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥
        I guarantee you will be charged with a felony if you are caught with ANY rounds or weapons. That is unless your a close and personal friend of the sheriff’s. Even then federal law would get you. That is fact.
        NO FELONY for ANY weapon purchasing or owning sir.

    • Rick on April 9, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      Yes, You will still have to pass criminal background checks.

  3. Robert Finke on February 11, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    As of what date does the no foid card rule take effect?

    • Ummm on February 11, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      This is just introduced legislation destined to never make it out of committee that is used by many politicians to pander for votes. Might as well print off the bill, put it up at a 50ft range and blow a few holes in it. There is NO way this will go anywhere.

      • John Bianchi on June 3, 2020 at 11:52 am

        I’m not sure what is going on with the FOID State Police dept. But I have applied for my renewal back in October 2019 from a letter I received from the Illinois State Police October 2,2019 informing me that my FOID card will expire January 1, 2020. The number they gave is 217-782-7980 (recording says line not operational) went on line and registered, Renewed card info with picture (they use your drivers lic. pic.) and paid the $11.00 fee. NO CARD as of March 2020. Back on line and reapplied for lost in mail card, paid $5.00 filled out the form. June 3, 2020 still NO CARD. Now on line but can’t get in or make phone connection!

        • Annette Reed on July 19, 2020 at 10:17 am

          Just by reading the comments I think I will go into and Gun store and renew. Thanks

    • Mike Thruman on February 11, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      I was wondering the same thing

  4. Juuls Engel on February 11, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    To help understand this article and proposed policy better, I wish the writter would have included complete names of the acronyms used. Main Issues:
    Where is the grant coming from?
    How will Illinois residents benefit from removing the FOID card?
    What are some other states experiences with similar program? Please list pros and cons.

    • Edwin l McNeal on February 11, 2020 at 8:30 pm

      Do we get our money back that we sent in for our Foid card ????????

      • Sarah on February 12, 2020 at 5:47 am

        It’s a $10 fee, not a big deal lol

      • Greg Leber on February 12, 2020 at 11:37 am

        Check is in the mail. Ha, Ha!

    • Mike on February 11, 2020 at 10:35 pm

      Almost no other state has a FOID card and they get along just fine without it. It’s useless bureaucratic BS and another way to get money from the citizens and impeding our rights.

      For example In October 2019 I updated my address on my FOID before doing so on my driver’s license knowing that it already takes twice as long. Apparently the state police don’t like that so my application was essentially denied. The only way in their backwards ass system to appeal this is to call and leave them a voicemail…. In a severely understaffed department (there are news articles on this). This has effectively barred me from buying a new firearm for over 4 months now, with no end in sight.

      • Mike on August 21, 2020 at 12:32 pm

        They extended foid and cvs because of the back log incorrect address doesn’t void it I called them to find out

      • TORRIN O PERRY on March 22, 2021 at 7:22 pm

        The bottom line is that they need to hurry up and free us I thought we were but enslaving our 2+14 amendments with this card and cash fill their pockets is nothing more then slavery also there needs to be reparations for all of the people whose cards were delayed also a class action lawsuit,names, governor richer, state of illinois, state police, and the crooks county, plus the city of chicago,for previously having to register your firearms with the city of chicagos chicago police department ,the mayor rahm emmanuel….. anybody got any help for us to get this cooking please let me know…..Thanks

  5. Mike on February 11, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    It is Unconditional to have to paid for my 2nd Amendment when other Americans don’t. Just because of the state I live in. Plus I’ve always been a law biding citizen who even offers up his drivers license before he votes. I am willing to go through any background check so I could walk out with my firearms. Pass this please!!

    • Aaron on February 11, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      I know right I bought my firearms legally in Florida move to Illinois and was breaking the law but I finally got mine took only 38 days to get card in hand

  6. Djarrel on February 11, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    They revoked mine because of a misdeanor driving offense. Said I had 48 hrs to turn it in. No way am I letting someone take away my 2A when I dont have any felonies.

    • Gary on September 9, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      It’s a felony to be caught with a FOID card after 48 hrs when you know that it was supposed to be returned to the incompetent ISP! Just FYI!

  7. Greg Yocum on February 11, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    I just applied for a FOiD card since moving to Illinois in January will get a refund.

    • CPT D. on February 11, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      A refund in ILL in OIZ, you are new to this disaster of a state!

  8. Kevin Wurster on February 11, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    Does this still need to go to a committee before it is voted on? Can the political friends to the North hold it up?
    It is a item left over from the days of no technology and should be eliminated..only reason not to is revenue greed.

  9. Steven R Newkirk on February 11, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    FOID expired 12/ 1/ 19. Applied for renewal 10/31/19. Credit card payment was accepted. As of today (2/11/20) no new card, no notification,no nothing. Government efficiency at it’s worst. Thanks ISP.

    • Aaron on February 11, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      I obtain my FOID card and 38 days because I called this state senator and explain to him how the state police was breaking the law 10 minutes after phone call I was approved 4 days later received it in the mail

    • Al Davis on February 11, 2020 at 6:12 pm

      Call your state representative I did it got the ball real fast

  10. Noneofyourbusiness on February 11, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    Nothing here but more click bait!!!

  11. Greg Adams on February 11, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    This legislation has little chance of becoming law. The General Assembly is controlled by Democrats and the state would lose a funding source. The governor recently swept $29.5 million from the fund holding fees paid by applicants for foid cards and concealed carry permits to other unrelated uses. It is suspected that the move is,in part, an effort to justify increased fees for future applicants and to frustrate (slow down) the process.

    If you value your current rights I urge you to join the Illinois State Rifle Association

  12. James Esposito on February 11, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    I am retired Chgo. P.D and I tried to remember my card in March of 2019 it is Feb. 2020 and no renewal yet. I can’t renew my IROC without it.

    • James on December 10, 2020 at 11:15 pm

      What do you mean, “you tried to remember it?”

  13. Dave on February 11, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    What about the CCL. Would residents still have to take the 16 hour course?

  14. Lee Childers on February 11, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    I agree with one of the comments earlier that it probably will never make it out of the ILGA. The only way it’s going to change is if everyone stands up against the Democrats and the state. Perhaps part of the suggestion for eliminating FOID cards is do to the fact that at least 3 groups are suing the Illinois state police for violating the Second Amendment, so it could be a way of backpedaling so the don’t lose they’re pants. I’ve been wanting of a year on my appeal on my CCW/CCL, it was revoked because of a clerical error on ISP for sending my renewal information to the wrong address that I did not get for six months. I renewed my FOID and filed my appeal but yet my CCL/CCW has not been reinstated. I will be calling ISP bureau of firearms tomorrow and try to get resolve to it.

  15. Roland on February 12, 2020 at 7:19 am

    The foid card is a direct violation of our 2nd amendment rights because it turns our rights into a privilege that they grant at there wim.

  16. Altheia M. Jack on February 12, 2020 at 8:32 am

    More Laws are not what we need there are way too many.If anyone believes these or any Laws will keep guns out of the criminals hands ya all could not be more wrong.The only people getting them cards are going to be the honest people.The criminals will not register and even if they made guns illegal the criminals would still have there guns and the honest people would still be screwed.The government is up to something and it scares the heck out of them that so many guns out there.I think it was at the FBI site statistics on number of guns in US would equal for every 100 people there are 120 guns.I say lets keep it this way.

  17. Tony Diaz on February 12, 2020 at 9:31 am

    I waited 276 days (9 months) for my Renewal card I have my medical card I was called and found out the hard way though that I can’t make new firearm purchases at retail store due to federal government. However private party and ccw are still okay

  18. Immaculate Drone on February 12, 2020 at 9:56 am

    Time to move out of this state. Do you realize Russia has over 6,000 nuclear missiles and guess which one of these, in Illinois ,they have targeted .and your worried about a pea shooter!!! Ha ha ha !

    • Moose stone on February 13, 2020 at 10:00 am

      FOID card is not right I’m fight a case a good friend of mine fall on hard times me and my girlfriend give our friend a place to stay and my friend was at work one night and the police show up to my house asking questions we was honest told them there was a rife in the house my friend was sleeping in our livingroom and own a rife so I put it out of the veiw only the owner and myself knew where it was no shells in the house and the owner had a FOID card but because I took the cop to the gun and gave it to them I got arrested I dont own a gun and not from this state but because I help a friend I get treated like a bad person taking to jail in front of my kids you some of yall want to keep this law really

  19. Jonathan Jackson on February 14, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    I’m a resident of the city of Chicago. I applied for my foid card, took the required conceal & carry course, was award 20 hrs & 40 hrs of Armed Security Certificates, Waited 3 months to receive all my cards, got them on my birthday. I was approached by a straight asshole who threaten me and my family, I drew my weapon, exactly as I was trained to do, and I was arrested, indicted, and put on trial facing jail time of a UUW & Aggravated Assault with a firearm. I took a bench trial and won. It cost me thousands of dollars and a job. Now after waiting on my cards to be reissued,
    I hear the state of Illinois is canceling Foid cards….2 yrs of my goals just waisted…..only in Illinois.

  20. Tim on February 16, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    I don’t believe the Russians have nuclear missles aimed at Illinois. They have surveyed the state and realize it is already destroyed. No need to waste a good missle.

  21. John W Reeves on March 21, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I thought at one time they ( ILL ) said that if you had a CCW it replaced having to have a FOID. ???

  22. Kimmel L Crossland on April 23, 2020 at 11:27 am

    So if I’m understanding this correctly please correct me if I’m wrong. But their throwing out the foid card?

  23. Harry Meyen on May 22, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    In my opinion, having to pay any fee to exercise a United States Constitutional Right is equivalent to having to pay a poll tax to vote.

  24. Todd Dikeman on June 8, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    7days still not approved for my shotgun purchase active foid. Card address needed changed. Never purchased Cannibis in state illinios. Never. Charged of felony still pending 7days is god awful please all who can sue and advocate. Do. Find me on Twitter dm. Any help

  25. Gary on September 9, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    It’s a felony to be caught with a FOID card after 48 hrs when you know that it was supposed to be returned to the incompetent ISP! Just FYI!

  26. Bob on October 9, 2020 at 2:41 pm

    This is how messed up this state really is. Got my FOID card in 2012, purchased 2 lower receivers in late 2013, just purchased a new gun in Sept, the background check can back fine, and picked up my new gun. I received a letter from the state police 2 weeks later saying they are revoking my FOID card for a Felony back from 1983??? WTF!!! Passed numerous background checks for my job, nothing has ever come up. Never been convicted of anything except a couple of speeding tickets. Surrendered my FOID to the local police dept, the detective was shaking his head in disbelief he couldn’t believe it. He tried to call the State police and sat on hold for 30 mins. He says well that Illinois for you, told me since it’s already in the system as revoked, I have to file the appeal. Sold the house, leaving this state, since I will never see a FOID card again

  27. Ky on November 5, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    They won’t even verify my information in order for me to move to the next step of getting my foid card. Not sure if this legislation went through but yeah really hoping I can do something about protecting myself here.

  28. My name is Leon banks I am a veteran of the United States operation Desert Storm on December 28, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Yes I feel that the Foid card should be abolished it is a headache is a time To get rid of it.

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