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HB 3496

Relating to property and casualty insurance policies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Trenton Barnhart and 2 co-sponsors

HB 3496 lets the Illinois State Police issue a FOID card to people charged with certain weapon offenses who complete a court diversion program, with completion proving eligibility.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 3496

Summary — HB 3496 (FOID — Diversionary Program)

Sponsor: Rep. Justin Slaughter
Introduced: February 2025
Current status: House Floor Amendment No. 2 (Rule 19(c)) — Re‑referred to Rules Committee (most recent action 4/11/2025)

Purpose

HB 3496 creates a path for people charged with certain weapon offenses who are sentenced to a court diversion program (notably the First Time Weapon Offense Program) to apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card in connection with successful completion of the diversion. The bill directs the Illinois State Police (ISP) to issue a FOID card upon receipt of court documentation showing successful completion, subject to existing eligibility rules.

Key provisions

  • Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65) by:

    • Adding Section 8.6 (or modifying related language in Section 5) to allow people charged under:
    • Section 24‑1 (Unlawful Use of Weapons) or
    • Section 24‑1.6 (Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon) who are sentenced to the First Time Weapon Offense Program (or another court-ordered diversion) to submit FOID applications tied to completion of that program.
    • Requiring the ISP to issue a FOID card to such applicants upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion — provided the applicant is otherwise eligible under existing law.
    • Requiring that FOID applications submitted under this provision be approved or denied within 10 business days after the ISP receives the court order or a written notification from the State’s Attorney that the diversionary program was completed.
    • Retaining ISP authority to deny or revoke a FOID card under existing statutory grounds.

  • House Amendment 001 (filed 3/19/2025) adds explicit language that the State shall dismiss the pending charge upon successful completion of the program.

  • House Amendment 002 (filed 4/7/2025) substantially revises the Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5) provisions governing the First Time Weapon Offense Program (Sec. 5‑6‑3.6) and adds a new section (5‑6‑3.7). These changes:

    • Define program eligibility and exclusions (e.g., prior violent convictions, orders of protection).
    • Specify program length (minimum 6 months; max determined by court/administrator) and possible conditions (no firearm possession, counseling, drug testing, community service, payment of fines/costs, etc.).
    • Contain a provision (f‑1) mirroring the FOID application/issuance rule on completion of the Program.
    • Note: the amendment text provided is partially truncated in places; some details are omitted in the source material supplied.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Individuals charged under Section 24‑1 or 24‑1.6 who are eligible for and complete the First Time Weapon Offense Program or another court-ordered diversion.
  • Agencies: Illinois State Police (FOID processing); State’s Attorneys and trial courts (reporting/verifying completion); circuit program administrators.
  • Public: Implications for access to firearms by persons who completed diversion programs, with ISP retaining denial/revocation authority.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced in House (Feb 2025); multiple committee referrals and amendments (Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee; Rules Committee).
  • House Committee amendment recommended “Do Pass” (3/20/2025); Floor amendments filed and recommended (4/7–4/8/2025).
  • Current procedural status: House Floor Amendment No. 2 re‑referred to Rules Committee (4/11/2025).

Considerations / impacts

  • Supports reentry and rehabilitation by restoring eligibility for a FOID upon completion of diversion, subject to existing disqualification rules.
  • Amendment 001 would require dismissal of pending charges upon successful program completion.
  • Raises questions for stakeholders about public safety, timing of FOID issuance, ISP capacity to process applications within 10 business days, and coordination between courts/State’s Attorneys and ISP.
  • ISP authority to deny/revoke remains, preserving statutory safety checks.

(Notes: Text of Amendment 002 and some sections provided are partially truncated in the source materials; readers should consult the official bill packet for complete current language.)

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

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