You’re invited: Senior Appreciation Luncheon

Sims passes legislation to extend 72-hour waiting period to all firearm purchases

SPRINGFIELD-State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) passed Senate Bill 3256, which would extend a 72-hour waiting period to all firearms in Illinois.

"Having an across-the-board 'cooling off' period for firearms could prevent people from causing harm to themselves or others," said Sims. "Requiring a 72-hour waiting period is a commonsense reform that will help keep our communities safe."

Current Illinois law requires a 72-hour waiting period to obtain handguns after purchase, but assault weapons, including the AR-15 and other military-style weapons can be collected in just 24 hours.

Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed waiting period legislation earlier this legislative session. SB 3256 matches a proposal he made in that amendatory veto.

This plan will bring all firearms in line with handguns, which are already regulated under a 72-hour waiting period.

"We must take every step we can to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. I believe this measure will help save lives by preventing someone from making a violent snap judgment that leads to actions that could have been prevented," said Sims.

This waiting period will give law enforcement ample time to do proper background checks as well as provide a "cooling off" period for people who may hurt themselves or someone else.

Passage of SB 3256 is a prelude to National Gun Violence Awareness Day today, which further highlights the need to prevent gun violence in Illinois and across the country.

SB 3256 heads to the governor's desk for approval.

You're invited:

Sims: Budget prioritizes the success of young people in at-risk communities

 SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the state’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget:

“I’m pleased the Senate was able to pass a full-year, balanced, bipartisan budget which makes significant investments in areas needed to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the state of Illinois, particularly those of the 17^th District.

“This budget makes significant investments in improving the quality of our schools and institutions of higher education, like Chicago State University. The budget also seeks to keep students in Illinois as they seek to obtain a quality higher education, while simultaneously focusing on protecting our most vulnerable populations and addressing the issue of gun violence in the 17^th District and across the state.

“Gun violence impacts communities across Illinois, raising legitimate public safety concerns among my constituents.

“As one of the budgeteers, I kept public safety concerns and the alternative strategies needed to prevent the root causes of violence foremost in my mind as we negotiated this year’s budget. This budget plan restores funding for youth employment programs, after school programming and youth programs, including Teen REACH.

“Jobs and afterschool programs go hand in hand with violence prevention. Providing our young people with constructive activities and employment is crucial to keeping them focused on their futures, off the streets and most of all, alive.

“I’m glad my colleagues and I were able to work together in a bipartisan manner to craft a balanced spending plan that prioritizes the success of our young people in at-risk communities, invests in education and improves the quality of life for citizens across our state. 

“I look forward to the budget passing the Illinois House of Representatives and being signed into law by the Governor to further put Illinois on the road to fiscal stability and make a difference in the lives of the people of the 17^th District and across the state of Illinois.”