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Bill

HB 4401

CRIM CD-CRIM FIREARM NEGLIGECE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Gregg Johnson

Illinois HB 4401 establishes criminal negligence standards for firearm handling, creating penalties for unsafe gun use or storage that causes harm.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4401

Legislative bill overview

HB 4401 appears to establish or modify criminal liability standards related to firearm negligence in Illinois. Based on the bill title referencing "CRIM CD-CRIM FIREARM NEGLIGENCE," the measure likely creates or adjusts criminal code provisions defining negligent firearm handling as a criminal offense with associated penalties.

Why is this important

Firearm negligence laws directly affect public safety by establishing legal accountability for unsafe gun handling, storage, or use that results in injury or death. These provisions can influence insurance requirements, gun ownership practices, and criminal prosecution standards across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Disagreement over how broadly or narrowly "negligence" is defined—whether it covers only gross negligence or includes ordinary negligence, and what mental state (recklessness, carelessness, etc.) constitutes the crime
  • Liability balance: Tension between gun rights advocates concerned about over-criminalization of accidents and public safety advocates seeking stronger accountability for unsafe firearm handling
  • Penalties and enforcement: Debates over appropriate criminal penalties, whether charges should be felony or misdemeanor level, and potential disparities in how charges are applied across demographics

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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