Illinois Enacts New Gun Safety Laws to Support Safe Storage and Crime Tracing

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker signed two new laws designed to improve gun safety across Illinois yesterday. The Safe Gun Storage Act strengthens requirements for storing firearms in homes where they may be accessible to minors, at-risk individuals, or those prohibited from possessing guns. It also shortens the window for reporting lost or stolen firearms from 72 to 48 hours and adds civil penalties for violations. A second law, HB 1373, mandates all Illinois law enforcement agencies participate in the federal eTrace firearm tracing system to support investigations and crack down on illegal gun trafficking. Both laws are part of the state’s broader effort to reduce gun violence and promote responsible gun ownership.