Rock Island Today

A bill touted by its supporters as a way to stem gun violence is actually a Trojan horse of unconstitutional, anti-gun language, according to state Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna).

Earlier this month, McCombie argued against Senate Bill 568 on the House floor, stating firmly that the bill "will not stop the rise of violence."

"It just won't," the representative continued. "I disagree that the law has been underutilized due to only having 59 petitions."

McCombie agrees with the educational campaign portion of the legislation, but said the expanded definition will bring unintended consequences upon the families and children of Illinois. 

"We do not agree with the makeup of the commission," McCombie said. She stated that the commission should include a representative of a Second Amendment rights protection organization just as it does a gun control organization. 

The representative said the process in Springfield is questionable at times. 

"This bill was previously negotiated. It took a long time," McCombie stated. "[...] Legislators spent a long time together in the same room working on this bill. We pass bills in Springfield and it seems it's never enough for some members."

McCombie got passionate sharing her frustration with her colleagues who have let the FOID card and gun control matters stall in the legislature year after year, letting all bipartisan efforts fall to the wayside as each session closes. 

According to The Center Square, the bill would require providing fingerprinting potential gun owners and doubles the FOID card fees. 

FOID card delays have only worsened in the pandemic. Civil unrest has led to a surge in FOID card applications, which can take six months to process. 

"This bill is just another bill that was done without collaboration," McCombie said. "It takes another hit on our constitutional rights and our freedoms. I urge a no vote."