SPRINGFIELD – Leading efforts to promote responsible gun ownership and enhance public safety in Illinois, State Senator Laura Ellman outlined legislation at a press conference on Tuesday, joined by One Aim Illinois Advocacy, survivors of gun violence, and advocates encouraging safe gun storage.

“Unsecured firearms in homes pose serious risks, including unintentional shootings and suicides,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has seen climbing numbers of firearm-related tragedies involving youth accessing unsecure guns, and our state has a clear need to prioritize preventive efforts.”

Studies consistently link unsecured, lost, and stolen firearms to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in 75% of school shootings, the shooter obtained the gun from a parent or relative. An estimated 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a family member’s gun.

Current Illinois law only requires firearm owners to secure their guns if a child under the age of 14 is present. Strengthening this existing safety measure, Ellman is leading Senate Bill 8 to expand this requirement to include any minor, regardless of age, ensuring that if a firearm owner knows a child may access their firearm, it must be securely stored in a locked container.

“Illinois has an opportunity to take a significant step forward to protect residents and prevent more families from losing their child to unnecessary violence – a tragedy no parent should ever experience,” said Ellman. “This measure is meant to save lives and help communities feel safe.”

Senate Bill 8 awaits further action in the House.