SPRINGFIELD-State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) passed Senate Bill 3256, which would extend a 72-hour waiting period to all firearms in Illinois.
“Having an across-the-board ‘cooling off’ period for firearms could prevent people from causing harm to themselves or others,” said Sims. “Requiring a 72-hour waiting period is a commonsense reform that will help keep our communities safe.”
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 legislative session. SB 3256 matches a proposal he made in that amendatory veto.
This plan will bring all firearms in line with handguns, which are already regulated under a 72-hour waiting period.
“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,” said Sims.
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.
Passage of SB 3256 is a prelude to National Gun Violence Awareness Day today, which further highlights the need to prevent gun violence in Illinois and across the country.
SB 3256 heads to the governor’s desk for approval.
