Protect Illinois Communities Applauds Senate Passage of HB 5471

Doctors share their experiences treating gunshot victims and urgency of enacting the Protect Illinois Communities Act to prevent further senseless deaths

January 9, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Today, Protect Illinois Communities Chair and President Becky Carroll released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the Protect Illinois Communities Act:

This is a historic day for our state, as the Protect Illinois Communities Act stands to become one of the strongest gun safety bills in the nation. Soon, survivors and their families throughout Illinois can breathe a little easier knowing that this bill will help save lives. From Chicago to East St. Louis to Highland Park, our communities deserve to live free from the devastating trauma of gun violence. Today, we are taking another step toward making that a reality. 

This moment would not be possible without the countless individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly, not only in recent months, but for years, to move comprehensive gun reform forward here in Illinois. We appreciate the unrelenting dedication of Brady United, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Courage, Gun Violence Prevention PAC, and many others who lent their time, energy, and resources to getting this done.

We applaud the legislature and leadership of both chambers including Speaker Chris Welch and Representative Bob Morgan, the initial bill sponsor of the Protect Illinois Communities Act, and Senate President Don Harmon for their continued collaboration that sets the stage to pass a model assault weapons ban supported by the three leading national gun safety groups.

We also want to thank Governor JB Pritzker for his courageous, vocal leadership and commitment to signing a strong bill.