The complaint argues that Illinois forces law-abiding adults to wait 72 hours before taking possession of a firearm, even when they pass a background check in minutes. It also argues that the waiting period is not tied to the time needed to complete a background check or any investigation into whether a person may lawfully possess a
firearm.
“This lawsuit is about standing up for law-abiding Illinois gun owners who are tired of being treated like the problem,” said ISRA President Doug Mayhall. “When a citizen passes the required background check, the state should not impose an arbitrary delay on a constitutional right. Illinois gun owners deserve better, and ISRA is proud to fight for them.”
The lawsuit also
details how the waiting period affects both individual firearm owners and local firearm dealers. According to the complaint, plaintiffs who passed background checks were still forced to wait before taking possession of lawfully purchased firearms. Dealer plaintiffs also face serious penalties if they transfer a firearm before the state-mandated waiting period expires.
“This law does not stop criminals,” said ISRA Executive Director Richard
Pearson. “It burdens the people who follow the law. ISRA will continue to challenge laws that punish responsible firearm owners while doing nothing to address violent crime.”
ISRA thanks the individual plaintiffs and federally licensed firearm dealers who are standing up on behalf of all law-abiding Illinois firearm owners. The lawsuit is part of ISRA’s continued work to defend Second Amendment rights in the courts, in Springfield, and
across Illinois.
“ISRA has always been on the front lines for Illinois gun owners,” Mayhall said. “This case is another reminder that we will not sit back while the state delays, restricts, or burdens the rights of peaceful citizens.”
Illinois gun owners are encouraged to support ISRA’s legal and legislative efforts by joining, renewing their membership, donating, and sharing this news
with fellow Second Amendment supporters.
