For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Media Contact:
Valerie Jean-Charles
[email protected]
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION PAC ILLINOIS CELEBRATES THE PASSING OF THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILITY ACT
Chicago –Today, Gun Violence Prevention PAC Illinois (G-PAC) released the following statement from Kathleen Sances, the CEO of G-PAC, following the successful passing of H.B. 218 also known as the Firearms Industry Responsibility Act. This bill will hold gun manufacturers accountable through the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. It would make it illegal to knowingly create, maintain or contribute to a condition in Illinois that endangers the safety or health of the public by failing to establish reasonable safeguards.
“Today, our state lawmakers took a meaningful step to reduce gun violence by passing the Firearms Industry Responsibility Act. We are especially grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Senate President Don Harmon and Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz. We urge Governor Pritzker to sign this bill into law right away.
“In a year that’s already being defined by a series of tragic shootings, we are thankful that our leaders are standing up to the gun industry by implementing legal measures for accountability. This bill will do a multitude of things, including prohibiting advertising and marketing that encourages para-military or unlawful private militia activity and preventing targeted advertising to minors.
“Our victory today is a testament to our growing movement for gun safety that is unwavering in its strength and determination. This win comes just four months after the passing of the assault weapons and large-capacity magazine bans in January.
“We must, however, remember that our work isn’t done. G-PAC recently launched #NotInOurHouse, a campaign aimed to educate Illinoisans on the immunity the firearm industry enjoys and how they’re now targeting kids as future customers We will not allow our children to become the next foot soldiers in the industry’s political wars, and we will not allow them to warp their values on public safety. Not in our house, not in our communities, and not in our state.”
About Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC)
The Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC) is the state’s leading gun violence advocacy organization. It was founded in 2013 to counter the political influence of the gun industry and their lobby in Springfield.