WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3688

Relating to a deceased spousal unused exclusion amount for Oregon estate tax; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bobby Levy and 1 co-sponsor

Requires safe firearm storage to block access by minors, at‑risk individuals, and prohibited persons, with civil penalties for violations.

In committee upon adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3688

Note on source documents
- The bill text provided is for an Illinois measure titled the "Safe Gun Storage Act" (introduced by Rep. Maura Hirschauer). The Bill Information header included an unrelated Oregon estate-tax title; the summary below reflects the Illinois firearm legislation contained in the provided document.

Summary: HB 3688 — Safe Gun Storage Act (Illinois)
- Primary purpose: Require safe storage of firearms to prevent access by minors, persons at risk of self‑harm or harming others, and persons legally prohibited from possessing firearms; impose civil penalties for violations; amend portions of the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Act to add transfer-related requirements.

Key provisions
- Safe storage requirement (Section 5)
- A firearm owner must not store or keep a firearm on any premises where the owner knows or reasonably should know that a minor (under 18), an at‑risk person, or a prohibited person is likely to gain access, unless the firearm is:
- Secured in a locked container, or
- Properly engaged with a device that renders it inaccessible or unusable to anyone other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user.
- A firearm that is carried by or under the control of the owner or an authorized user is deemed lawfully stored.

  • Definitions (selected)

    • Minor: person under 18 (excludes U.S. Armed Forces members and Illinois National Guard members).
    • At‑risk person: someone whose statements or behavior reasonably indicate a likelihood of attempting suicide or causing physical harm to self/others.
    • Prohibited person: someone ineligible under federal or state law to possess a firearm. (Does not include a person otherwise FOID‑eligible who simply lacks a FOID card at the time of violation.)

  • Penalties and civil enforcement (Section 10)

    • Civil penalties:
    • Up to $500 for a general violation.
    • Up to $1,000 if the owner knew or reasonably should have known that a minor/at‑risk/prohibited person was likely to gain access and such a person obtains the firearm.
    • Up to $10,000 if such a person obtains the firearm and uses it to injure or kill, or uses it in connection with a crime.
    • Court discretion: may order community service or restitution in lieu of penalties for good cause.
    • Civil liability: Act does not preclude other civil liabilities; a violation is prima facie evidence of negligence per se in civil actions where injury, death, or criminal use occurs.
    • Enforcement: civil penalty actions may be brought by the Illinois Attorney General or the county State’s Attorney. Collected penalties deposited into the Mental Health Fund.

  • FOID Act amendments (partial / as provided)

    • Changes to Sections 3, 3.1, 8, and 8.1; adds Section 7.10.
    • Federally licensed firearm dealers must, beginning January 1, 2026, check an Illinois State Police internet‑based system listing reported stolen firearm serial numbers prior to sale/transfer (new firearms shipped from manufacturers are exempt).
    • Persons transferring firearms at gun shows who are not federally licensed dealers must request ISP background checks before transfer; ISP must check the internet system beginning January 1, 2026 (text truncated in source).

Who is affected
- Firearm owners (storage duties and potential civil penalties).
- Minors, at‑risk persons, and prohibited persons (protected by reduced access).
- Federally licensed dealers and private sellers at gun shows (additional check/transfer requirements).
- State and county prosecutors (enforcement authority).
- Courts (disposition, restitution/community service options).
- Mental Health Fund (recipient of penalty revenue).

Procedural status and timeline
- Introduced: February 18, 2025 (Rep. Maura Hirschauer).
- Public hearing: April 3, 2025.
- Read and referred to multiple committees; added co‑sponsors in March–May 2025.
- Status as of June 28, 2025: In committee upon adjournment.
- Effective date (as in bill): January 1, 2026.
- Companion bill: SB 1037.

Potential impacts (expected)
- Public safety: intended to reduce accidental shootings, youth access to firearms, and firearm‑enabled suicides or violence by increasing safe storage.
- Compliance costs: modest for owners who must purchase secure storage devices; procedural changes may add checks for dealers and some private transfers.
- Legal exposure: creates civil penalty framework and strengthens negligence evidence in related civil suits, potentially increasing litigation risk for noncompliant owners.

Limitations / notes
- The available text is partially truncated (some FOID amendments not fully shown). The summary describes provisions contained in the provided sections; exact statutory changes may be broader in the full bill.

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

Sign in to ask a question.