Rock Island Today

Recent delays in card renewals, for the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Act is drawing frustration and criticism from Illinois Republicans.

Established in 1968, the FOID Act served to give identification to citizens who were eligible to own a firearm. The legislation was created to function as part of the federal Gun Control Act also drafted in 1968. 

According to the State Police, new FOID card applications have been taking around 121 days to process, and CCL applications approximately 145 days to process. Even with these long processing periods, renewal of FOID ID cards is taking even longer. It is in these long time periods that state Republicans are taking issue. 

The Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Act is drawing frustration and criticism from Illinois Republicans. | Stock Photo

Among legislators criticizing these delays is State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Moline), who claims that these long processing times are an infringement on people’s Second Amendment rights. 

“My office is receiving call after call from constituents frustrated in the delay times in renewing their FOID card. This is unacceptable," Anderson said. "While I appreciate the adoption of recent emergency rules to help individuals with expired FOID cards, people are still running into issues purchasing firearms and ammunition because stores and out of state businesses won’t accept expired IDs.” 

Anderson also made the distinction that he has filed legislation every year to repeal the FOID Act. Anderson states that the ID cards are an obstacle that the people of IL “shouldn’t need anyway.” 

“The FOID Act is over 50 years old, making it extremely outdated. With updated technology allowing for the use of instant background checks, the FOID card serves no real purpose," Anderson said. 

Anderson’s past and current legislation proposals eliminate the FOID card requirement, but would still include federal background checks for firearm purchases.  

In closing, Anderson summarized his legislation and sentiments by statin: “The FOID Act is just another unnecessary barrier that impedes on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment right.”