Illinois lawmakers pass plan limiting mentally ill from owning guns
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois lawmakers have approved a measure designed to prevent people with mental disabilities from owning guns.
A proposal sponsored by Democratic Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Michael Zalewski strengthens existing law by requiring circuit court clerks to report the names of people a judge deems mentally disabled to the Illinois State Police at least twice a year.
The House overwhelmingly approved the plan on Tuesday. The measure heads to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner next.
Under the existing state law, a person deemed by a judge to have a mental illness could lose his or her gun owner identification card. Morrison said not all counties in the state comply with current reporting rules. She says her proposal would create better communication between court clerks and state police.