New Illinois law streamlines FOID card process for first-time, nonviolent gun offenders

The Brief

  • Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 1899, a measure that allows first-time, nonviolent offenders charged with low-level gun possession to apply for a FOID card while in a court-approved diversion program.
  • Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke pushed for the law as part of her strategy to focus resources on violent crime.
  • The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

CHICAGO A new Illinois law will make it easier for first-time, nonviolent offenders facing the lowest-level gun possession charges to obtain a firearms license.

What we know:

Gov. JB Pritzker this week signed Senate Bill 1899, a measure championed by Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke and sponsored by State Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago).

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