Tag: guns

Veterans Advisory Committee – Fall 2026

Veterans Advisory Committee – Fall 2026

November 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST

The Veterans Community Advisory Committee is a place for veterans and/or their families
to share their thoughts and experiences on Illinois legislation and how it affects military veterans, their families, and communities. We look forward to seeing you to discuss the concerns you have for the veteran community and to discuss ideas on how to work toward improvements.

This event will be virtual and registration is required. A Virtual Meeting link will be sent the day before the event. At this fall meeting, in order to prepare for the Spring 2027 Session, we will discuss any recent hardships or trends that veterans are experiencing and ways that Illinois may be able to help.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Virtual: Zoom

Statement from State Representative Maura Hirschauer on Attempted Mass Shooting at Hindu Temple in Aurora

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Statement from State Representative Maura Hirschauer on Attempted Mass Shooting at Hindu Temple in Aurora

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (updated 12:15pm 10/16/26)

“I am deeply disturbed by reports that a Palatine man planned and tried to execute an attack at a Hindu temple in Aurora. No one should have to fear violence, intimidation, or persecution because of their faith. Every person in Illinois deserves the freedom to worship, practice their beliefs, and gather with their community without fear.

I commend the community members and law enforcement officials whose actions helped address this alleged threat and protect our community. Their work underscores the importance of taking threats of violence seriously and acting decisively before lives are put at risk.

Hate has no place in Illinois. Period.

Antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Hindu hate, racism, and every form of religious bigotry must be confronted—not ignored, excused, or normalized. An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental freedoms that bind our communities together.

As Chair of the Illinois House Gun Violence Prevention Committee, I know that preventing violence requires more than responding after a tragedy. It demands vigilance, responsible policies, strong community partnerships, and a willingness to confront threats before they become deadly. We must continue working together to protect our neighbors and ensure that our places of worship remain sanctuaries—not targets.

To the Hindu community in Aurora and throughout Illinois: you belong here, your faith deserves respect, and you have the right to worship in peace. We will not allow hate to dictate who feels safe in our communities.”

###

Maura State IL Icon

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — Legislation strengthening orders of protections so abusers can’t access confiscated firearms is now law thanks to the work of state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago.

“Domestic violence survivors deserve to feel protected and reassured of their safety,” said Hirschauer. “With the successful passing of Karina’s Law last year, our state advanced safeguards to prevent further harm and death to survivors. This is another step forward. It’s an honor to help protect people who have already overcome so much.”

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), domestic violence assaults involving a gun are 12 times more likely to result in death than those involving other weapons or bodily force. Additionally, in 2025, 68% of domestic violence homicides in Illinois involved the use of a firearm.

Hirschauer’s Senate Bill 3329 protects domestic violence survivors by making clear that it is illegal for abusers to access confiscated firearms. Senate Bill 3329 is a trailer bill to Karina’s Law, which strengthens the firearm remedy within the order of protection process by allowing judges to order the removal of guns from abusers who have been deemed a credible danger. Karina’s Law officially took effect on May 11, 2025.

Senate Bill 3329 will take effect on and after Jan. 1, 2027.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, passed legislation out of the Revenue and Finance Committee that would incentivize the purchase of firearm safety devices including gun safes, lock boxes, or any device that is secured by a key or combination.

“The best and most effective gun violence prevention policies are based on common sense with input from responsible gun owners,” said Hirschauer. “Advancements in biometric technology allow firearm owners to prioritize the ability to secure their firearms without sacrificing quick access for reasons of self defense. We secure our phones with a fingerprint – imagine how effective this technology is for a small handgun safe in your car or bedside table.”

Hirschauer’s House Bill 1790 would create the Safe Storage Tax Credit, which would make it easier for gun owners to purchase firearm safety devices by creating a new tax credit, for up to $300 per year.

“It is on all of us to keep our families and communities safe by practicing safe gun ownership and locking all firearms in the home,” said Hirschauer. “Many gun deaths are preventable with simple and commonsense safety measures.”

House Bill 1790 is advancing to the House Floor for consideration.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Policy and Change

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Statement from State Representative Maura Hirschauer on Attempted Mass Shooting at Hindu Temple in Aurora

Thoughts and prayers? Two children were killed and at least 17 others injured when a gunman fired several rounds of bullets through the open windows of a Catholic church this morning. Thoughts and prayers have not and will not extinguish the gun lobby’s stranglehold on this country. We must stand up and pass real, comprehensive, nation-wide gun safety policies: a national assault weapon and high capacity magazine ban, and universal background checks.

Instead, we have a federal government defunding valuable and proven community violence intervention programs, and encouraging deregulation of firearms by eliminating the $200 tax stamp on suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shot guns. The steps taken by President Trump puts all of our communities at risk — we cannot stand by and watch as our federal gun safety policy buckles under the gun lobby’s pressure.

Here in Illinois we have taken the steps to keep our communities safe: from banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines in the Protect Illinois Communities Act, to keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous abusers in Karina’s Law, to mandating the safe storage of firearms when children are present in the Safe at Home Act. We are working every single day to save lives from gun violence. Make no mistake, there is more work to do. As the chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Policy, I am committed to doing that work. 

We must value our children over our guns. We must commit to creating a world in which parents can drop their children off at school, at church, at playgrounds — without fear of gunfire. My heart breaks for the families who lost their precious babies today, and for the school community whose lives will be forever changed. We will honor their lives, not with thoughts and prayers alone, but with a commitment to action and change.

Maura State IL Icon

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Passes First-of-its-Kind Safe Gun Storage Bill

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect children from accidental shootings, and track lost and stolen firearms by passing a new ‘safe storage’ bill through the House and Senate.

“We’ve heard too many tragedies involving firearms that could have easily been prevented,” said Hirschauer. “I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with this legislation where I anticipate the governor will agree with its importance. Putting a law like this in our books means we’re taking the necessary steps to address the deadly implications of firearms not being properly stored and falling into the wrong hands.”

Hirschauer passed Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, which will enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements with the ultimate goal to prevent access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. The bill would require firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user.

Additional provisions in House Bill 850 will tighten lost and stolen gun reporting requirements.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Senate Bill 8 passed out of the Senate chamber last month. Hirschauer successfully led the measure through the House Wednesday, where it now awaits the governor’s signature for final consideration.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Karina’s Bill FAQ

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Karina’s Bill FAQ

What is Karina’s Bill?

“Karina’s Bill”, a piece of legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in January 2025, is aimed at enhancing protections for victims of domestic violence. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies confiscate firearms from individuals subject to an order of protection within 96 hours of its issuance. This measure addresses a critical gap in existing laws, ensuring that alleged abusers do not retain access to firearms during the period when an order of protection is in effect.

Listed below is a FAQ on the processes and requirements of how firearms are to be returned after an Order of Protection (OOP) expires. Answers are referenced directly from ILGA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

*Note: “Respondent” refers to the owner of the firearms that are confiscated. All mentions of “firearm” below also include “firearm parts” which could be assembled to create an operable firearm.

• What happens to a respondent’s firearms after they’re confiscated?

They are held by the law enforcement agency that took possession of the items for safekeeping.1 Law enforcement will also confiscate any Firearm Owner’s Identification Card or Concealed Carry License in possession of the respondent, and shall immediately mail it to Illinois State Police Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Office for safekeeping.2

• How do respondents reclaim their firearms?

The respondent may contact the law enforcement agency safekeeping their firearm to request them back. Law enforcement shall comply only if:

  1. the order of protection for the victim has expired AND
  2. the gun owner is legally allowed to own firearms.3

It is the responsibility of the respondent to request their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card or Concealed Carry License back by contacting the Illinois State Police Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Office.4

• How will law enforcement return confiscated firearms?

Law enforcement will attempt to contact the respondent to reclaim their firearm but will pursue other options if the respondent:

  1. fails to respond to more than three requests to retrieve the firearms OR
  2. cannot be located.6

• What if the respondent cannot be contacted?

If retrieval is unsuccessful, the court, upon petition from the appropriate law enforcement agency and notice to the respondent at their last known address, may:

  1. use the firearm for training purposes OR
  2. use the firearms for any other application as deemed appropriate OR
  3. turn the firearms over to a third party who is lawfully eligible to possess firearms and does not reside with the respondent.7

Additionally, a third party who is lawfully eligible to claim the firearms for the respondent, but only provided that:

  1. the third party must not reside with the respondent AND
  2. the respondent must not have access to the firearm AND 
  3. the third party must not transfer the firearm to anyone else AND
  4. the third party will maintain control and possession of the firearm until otherwise ordered by the court AND
  5. the third party will be subject to criminal penalties for transferring the firearms AND 
  6. the order of protection is expired.8
• How long does it take for a firearm to be returned?

Once a firearm return request has been filed, the police department shall return their firearms to them within 14 days (however, the statute currently does not specify in what way firearms will be returned).5

• What happens when firearms are claimed to be the property of another person while confiscated?

They may petition the court to have the firearms returned to them with proper notice to the respondent. At a hearing, if the court determines the petitioner to be the lawful owner, the firearms will be returned to them only if:

  1. the lawful owner agrees to store the firearm in a manner that does not provide access or control of the firearm to the respondent AND
  2. the lawful owner does not transfer the firearm to the respondent or anyone who resides with them AND
  3. the lawful owner does not reside with the respondent AND
  4. the respondent does not have access to the location in which the lawful owner intends to keep the firearms AND
  5. the lawful owner will maintain control and possession of the firearm unless otherwise ordered by the court.9

If you have still have any unanswered questions, please reach out to our office.

Hirschauer Passes “Karina’s Bill” to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors From Firearms

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, delivered Karina’s Bill (HB4144), legislation that will protect domestic violence survivors from firearms. The product of years of negotiation and advocacy by Hirschauer along with domestic violence and gun violence prevention advocates, Karina’s Bill will clarify and strengthen the law regarding the firearm remedy in criminal and civil orders of protection. 

“After years of fighting in Springfield and in the courts, and after extensive negotiation and advocacy, the passage of Karina’s Bill marks a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors from firearms,” Hirschauer said. “This survivor-centered bill honors the memory of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela who were murdered by an abuser who should have never had access to a firearm.

Everyone who dreams of a future without gender-based violence knows that we cannot erase tragedies in the past, but we can and we must work to build a better future in memory of victims, survivors, and all who love them. The passage of Karina’s Bill is a long overdue step in that direction.” 

Karina’s Bill combats the deadly combination of guns and domestic violence by strengthening the firearm remedy within the order of protection process and empowering judges with the ability to order the removal of guns from abusers who have been deemed a credible danger. The bill also clarifies the process for survivors, judges, and law enforcement when the firearm remedy is involved in criminal and civil orders of protections. Research has shown that the presence of a gun in a home where domestic abuse occurs increases the risk of homicide by 500%. 

“In a domestic abuse situation, a gun becomes a means of control. It is used to stop survivors from leaving threatening situations, it can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, and ultimately it can turn a dangerous situation into a deadly situation,” Hirschauer said. “This bill is about protecting survivors. And most importantly, it is about valuing women’s lives more than we value guns.”

Rep. Hirschauer Responds to Villa Park Tragedy

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Responds to Villa Park Tragedy

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement regarding the tragic homicide that took place over the weekend in Villa Park.

“The murder of Julie Elguezabal is a tragedy and another unacceptable loss resulting from the intersection of domestic violence and firearms. While we collectively condemn this horrific act of violence, we must also collectively take action to right this wrong. Legislation that would remove firearms from the hands of domestic abusers remains stalled in the Illinois State Senate. Karina’s Bill (SB 2633) would allow judges to issue search warrants along with orders of protection so that law enforcement can search homes and immediately remove firearms from domestic abusers. Compared to this time last year, there is a 65% increase in the number of victims killed in firearm-related incidents across Illinois, according to The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. We cannot let this trend continue and must pass this lifesaving bill this session.

In response to Julie Elguezabal’s murder, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin was quoted as saying, ‘Perhaps a legislative fix or internal remedy could improve this outcome.’ On this point, I agree with the State’s Attorney — passing Karina’s Bill and giving law enforcement the tools they need to directly confiscate guns from domestic abusers will save lives. I encourage all of us in positions of leadership to ensure these safeguards are in place to protect survivors who are seeking to leave violent relationships.

Each day that passes without action on Karina’s Bill means more lives shattered and more futures stolen. We owe it to every victim and their families to ensure that they have the protection they need to reclaim their safety. My heart is with the family of Julie Elguezabal, and for hopefully the last time, I say: enough is enough. It is time that we pass Karina’s Bill and end the cycle of firearm-involved domestic violence homicides.”

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
271-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Read SB 2633 on ILGA.gov

Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

The intersection of intimate partner violence and gun violence is deadly and the ripple effects of the trauma echo far beyond the intimate relationship – affecting children who live with and witness it, and the family members, coworkers, and law enforcement who respond to it. Our top priority in the legislature is keeping people safe, especially survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. An order of protection is a key tool to help protect survivors, especially as they try and leave a violent relationship.

Right now, the order of protection process is failing too many domestic violence survivors, especially when firearms are involved. When an order of protection is granted with the firearm remedy, that gun needs to be removed from the home immediately. We cannot have any ambiguity about this process, the stakes are too high.

Karina’s Bill will clarify the law and give law enforcement clear directives on removing firearms from the home. This legislation is critically important as domestic violence is on the rise both in Chicago and across our state. Last year, there were 56 domestic violence homicides across Illinois, up from 40 in 2021 and 37 in 2020. Added to the rise in domestic violence is the proliferation of firearms across our state. In the US, intimate partner homicide represents 40-50% of the murders of all women.

We have taken a number of important steps forward in gun violence prevention in Illinois in recent years, but we cannot stop doing this important work. Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the legislature is scheduled to be in session in a few weeks. I am going to do everything in my power to ensure this bill is passed during the Veto Session. We cannot sit by while tragedies like the one that struck Karina, Daniela, and their family continue to occur.

Get the latest bill one-pager

Karina’s bill:

  • Requires firearm removal to occur during service of an emergency order of protection (OP) when granted by a judge.
  • Clarifies existing language in statute for a judge to issue a warrant when granting the firearm remedy to allow for consistent firearm removal enforcement across the state.
  • Closes a loophole in current statute by barring transfer of ownership of firearms when the firearm remedy is granted.
  • Adds dating partners and ex-dating partners to the list of petitioners in the firearm restraining orders act to create additional avenues of firearm relief when an OP is not needed.
text reads "Guns make domestic violence deadly. Access to a gun makes a survivor of domestic violence 5 times more likely to be fatally shot by an intimate partner."