A shooter killed seven and wounded dozens more during a July 4, 2022, parade in Highland Park, Illinois. As a result of that shooting, Illinois became the 9th state to forbid the sale or possession of military-style assault weapons on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. The Protect Illinois Communities Act law bans the sale and possession of firearms, known as “assault weapons” and their attachments, .50 caliber rifles, .50 caliber cartridges, and high-capacity magazines.
But now, residents who own assault weapons may soon be able to register and make them legal. On Sunday, October 1, the Protect Illinois Communities Act will provide an exception for Illinois residents who already owned the weapons before it took effect. Suppose owners want to keep their guns legally. In that case, they must submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) before Monday, Jan.1, 2024.
The Illinois State Police (ISP) filed emergency rules with the secretary of state on Monday, September 18, to implement that portion of the assault weapons ban beginning next month. The ISP will begin accepting online affidavits beginning Sunday, Oct. 1, through a FOID account that residents can access online at the ISP’s Firearms Services Bureau website: www.ispfsb.com/Public/Home.aspx. The website also has a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page with additional information on submitting an endorsement affidavit.
According to state law, affidavits must include the applicant’s name, birth date, and FOID card number. Each weapon must be listed and have the make, model, caliber, and serial number. The applicant must also write a statement verifying their ownership of a locking mechanism for each weapon.
In certain situations, state agencies have the authority to file emergency rules. Those rules can only remain in place for up to 150 days, after which they must be replaced by permanent rules or repealed. Permanent rules are subject to a public comment period and review by the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
According to the statute, the affidavits must include the applicant’s name, date of birth, and FOID card number. Applicants must also provide each weapon’s make, model, caliber, serial number, and a statement verifying that they own a locking mechanism.
The affidavit form will also include a statement: “Warning: Entering false information on this form is punishable as perjury under Section 32-2 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2022.”