Early Saturday morning, May 27, the Illinois 2023 spring legislative session adjourned. The General Assembly will reconvene in the fall for two weeks to consider the Governor’s vetoes.

The 2023 spring session was quiet for sportsmen until the last few weeks of the session when the gun control majority gutted, amended, and fast-tracked House Bill 218 to the Governor.

HB 218, the “Firearm Industry Responsibility Act,” will hold everyone, and anyone involved with firearms subject to civil liability if they fail to establish “reasonable control” over the criminal activities of others with a firearm. It is anybody’s guess what “reasonable” means, but knowing how the Attorney General feels about firearms, there is a very broad definition, with only the law-abiding facing a judge in civil court.

Unfortunately, as we previously reported, Governor JB Pritzker has already stated his intent to sign this bill into law. If you have not already done so, please use our Take Action button to ensure the Governor receives your email letting him know you OPPOSE HB 218 and ask that he VETO the bill.

Even though the 2023 spring regular legislative session is over, the Sportsmen’s Alliance will continue to monitor activities throughout the year and will inform you if any action is needed.

About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.