In a move that will appease Windy City gun-banners while doing nothing to improve public safety, the Illinois Senate voted 30-21 Thursday to pass SB 1657.
While proponents of the measure claim it’s about enhancing “responsible business practices” among the state’s federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs), the fact is that these businesses are already under strict federal oversight. The gun dealer licensing scheme and accompanying licensing boards, fees and red tape proposed in SB 1657 go so far beyond current federal regulation that the legislation’s most likely effect will be the drowning of law-abiding FFLs in a sea of unnecessary red tape.
To add insult to injury, an amendment has been added that would further endanger mom-and-pop or independent FFLs: Big-box retailers will be exempt from the regulations, which will further hinder smaller retailers’ ability to compete.
The measure now heads to the Illinois House for consideration. We will keep you updated as this legislation progresses.
