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HB 5209

FOID-MENTAL HEALTH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Maura Hirschauer

HB 5209 would refine FOID eligibility by adjusting how mental health history affects obtaining or renewing a FOID card.

House Committee Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 5209

Summary of HB 5209 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Title

FOID-MENTAL HEALTH

Purpose and intent

HB 5209 aims to modify Illinois firearm purchaser requirements by addressing mental health disqualifications under the Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Act. The bill seeks to refine how individuals’ mental health history affects FOID card issuance, renewal, or eligibility, with a focus on aligning firearm access with public safety considerations related to mental health status.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s title and committee activity)

  • Reforms to FOID eligibility criteria tied to mental health conditions.
  • Possible changes to procedures for evaluating mental health status when issuing or renewing FOID cards.
  • Potential clarifications or expansions of what constitutes a disqualifying mental health event or diagnosis.
  • Mechanisms for updates or appeals related to FOID eligibility based on mental health determinations.

Note: The exact statutory language and the detailed thresholds (e.g., specific diagnoses, treatment requirements, or reporting standards) would be in the bill text. The summary below reflects the typical scope suggested by the title and amendments moving through committees.

Who is affected

  • Individuals seeking to obtain or renew a FOID card would be directly affected by any changes to mental health-related disqualifications.
  • State agencies administering the FOID program, including the Illinois State Police (which administers FOID) and any related health or judicial agencies involved in mental health reporting or determinations.
  • Licensed healthcare providers and facilities may be involved to the extent the bill references mental health determinations, notifications, or reporting requirements.
  • Law enforcement and public safety stakeholders may be impacted by any changes in eligibility timelines or documentation requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Assigned to Gun Violence Prevention Committee (as of May 14, 2026) with subsequent moves to Rules and then potential further action within the committee structure.
  • Committee activity includes multiple amendments:
    • House Committee Amendment No. 1 (filed March 19, 2026) and related Rule 19 actions.
    • Re-referred to Rules Committee and then to Gun Violence Prevention Committee (with amendments guiding the referral).
  • Deadline extensions indicate ongoing consideration with a potential Rule 19(a) or Rule 19(c) technical process, and a committee reading deadline extended to May 31, 2026.
  • First reading occurred on February 10, 2026, with initial referral to Rules Committee, followed by referrals and amendments through February–May 2026.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public safety: By refining when mental health status disqualifies someone from possessing or obtaining a FOID card, the bill could affect firearm access for individuals experiencing certain mental health conditions and treatment scenarios.
  • Due process and privacy: Changes may involve how mental health information is reported, who can access it, and under what standards. Readers should look for protections around medical privacy, appeal processes, and clear criteria.
  • Administrative workload: Implementing new eligibility criteria and reporting requirements could affect processing times for FOID applications and renewals and require training for agency staff.
  • Legal and constitutional considerations: As with any changes to firearm eligibility rules, the bill may raise questions about due process, statutory interpretation, and alignment with existing FOID law and any related judicial decisions.

Notes for further reading

  • To provide a complete, precise summary, the bill’s full text is needed, including definitions, specific disqualifying conditions, procedures for determinations, reporting requirements, and appeals.
  • Monitor committee votes and any fiscal impact statements, which would indicate implementation costs and potential budgetary implications for the FOID program.

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

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