End of Session Town Hall

June 23 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

Join Representative Hirschauer for an end-of-session town hall on legislation, budget, community safety, and pressing topics of Illinois’ 49th District. Register with your topics of priority and your specific questions to ensure they are discussed that evening.

Registration is appreciated for in-person attendance, but required for virtual attendance. Zoom links will be sent the day of the event.

This event will be presented in English. Automated captions will be available in many languages via the virtual event. Automated translations may be inaccurate. If something seems alarming or out of context, please contact our office for clarification and we will consult an interpreter to facilitate understanding of your concerns and Rep Hirschauer’s response.


Acompañe a la Representante Hirschauer en una reunión pública a mitad de sesión sobre legislación, presupuesto, seguridad comunitaria y temas urgentes del Distrito 49 de Illinois. Inscríbase con sus temas prioritarios y sus preguntas específicas para asegurarse de que se aborden esa noche.

Se agradece el registro para la asistencia en persona, pero es obligatorio para la asistencia virtual. Los enlaces de Zoom se enviarán el mismo día del evento.

Este evento se presentará en inglés. Se ofrecerán subtítulos automáticos en varios idiomas durante el evento virtual. Las traducciones automáticas pueden ser inexactas. Si algo le resulta alarmante o fuera de contexto, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para obtener aclaraciones; consultaremos con un intérprete para ayudar a comprender sus inquietudes y la respuesta de la Rep. Hirschauer.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website

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

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

Hirschauer Advances Bill Recognizing Missing Soldiers,  Support for Veteran Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aiming to pay tribute to past servicemen and women who never returned home, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is working to create a new observance honoring missing soldiers, prisoners of war and veteran families experiencing grief.

“This measure is a small but powerful way to ensure we never forget the sacrifices of those who never came home, and the loved ones who continue to grieve their absence,” said Hirschauer.

Hirschauer passed House Bill 1312 out of the State Government Administration Committee with bipartisan support. Her bill would designate the third Friday of September of each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor of missing service members and families of prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).

The measure specifically calls on the governor to request a portion of the day be dedicated to personal reflection on the challenging circumstances of POWs and MIA members of the U.S. armed forces, encouraging all Illinoisans to reflect on these soldiers’ services. Hirschauer introduced this bill with the help of Bill and Traci Woods, both members of Hirschauer’s local Veterans Advisory Committee. Bill and Traci’s uncles, Air Force Maj. Ronald Mayercik and Thomas Pilkington of the United States Navy are still missing in action from the Vietnam War.

“By formally recognizing this day, we urge the governor and all Illinoisans to reflect on the courage of these individuals and the pain endured by their families and loved ones,” said Hirschauer. “I am honored to bring this legislation in front of our chamber’s body to reflect our state’s unwavering support for those who serve and protect us.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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

Spring Town Hall

April 15 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

Join Representative Hirschauer for a mid-session town hall on legislation, budget, community safety, and pressing topics of Illinois’ 49th District. Register with your topics of priority and your specific questions to ensure they are discussed that evening.

Registration required below. Zoom links will be sent the day of the event.

This event will be presented in English with automated captions available in many languages. Automated translations may be inaccurate. If something seems alarming or out of context, please contact our office for clarification and we will consult an interpreter to facilitate understanding of your concerns and Rep Hirschauer’s response.

Acompañe a la Representante Hirschauer en una reunión pública a mitad de sesión sobre legislación, presupuesto, seguridad comunitaria y temas urgentes del Distrito 49 de Illinois. Inscríbase con sus temas prioritarios y sus preguntas específicas para asegurarse de que se aborden esa noche.

Se requiere registro a continuación. Los enlaces de Zoom se enviarán el día del evento.

Este evento se presentará en inglés con subtítulos automáticos disponibles en varios idiomas. Las traducciones automáticas pueden ser inexactas. Si algo le parece alarmante o fuera de contexto, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para obtener una aclaración y consultaremos con un intérprete para facilitar la comprensión de sus inquietudes y la respuesta del Representante Hirschauer.
Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website

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

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.”

Town Hall
color photo headshot of Rep Hirschauer with text "2024 Town Hall Meeting"

June 4, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

Join Representative Hirschauer for an End of Session update. Learn about her sponsored or co-sponsored bills that passed, how she and her office are supporting the people of the 49th, and upcoming events and opportunities.

Free Register below

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website
Veterans Community Advisory Committee

December 10, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

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.

Please contact office@repmaura49.com to request the zoom link.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website
Veterans Community Advisory Committee

November 12, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

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.

Please contact office@repmaura49.com to request the zoom link.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website
Veterans Community Advisory Committee

October 8, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

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.

Please contact office@repmaura49.com to request the zoom link.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website