Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Illinois lawmakers are considering a new way to cover the costs of violence: Send part of the bill to firearm manufacturers.
The proposed Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act, or RIFL Act, would create a state licensing program for gunmakers selling firearms in Illinois.
Manufacturers would pay annual fees into a special fund supporting violence intervention and victim services. The state would calculate each company’s share partly through an “experience rating” tied to firearms recovered after shootings.
The latest Senate amendment sets the combined first-year fee at $50 million. Later fees could equal between 7% and 15% of estimated firearm-related costs borne by Illinois and its residents.
Gunmakers without a state license would eventually be locked out of the Illinois market. Retailers would also be prohibited from selling firearms made by unlicensed companies.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms says the proposal places the blame on the wrong people.
“Instead of putting criminals behind bars and keeping them off the streets,” CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb said, Illinois wants to hold manufacturers financially responsible for criminal acts.
SEE ALSO: Uberti 1873 Review: The .44-40 Legend Still Runs
Gottlieb argues that most violent offenders did not legally obtain or possess their firearms in the first place. Charging manufacturers will not change that, he said. It will simply raise costs that eventually reach lawful gun buyers.
CCRKBA also disputes claims that the proposal would save Illinois hundreds of millions of dollars. Gottlieb says lawmakers would get better results by keeping repeat violent offenders behind bars and putting more officers in high-crime neighborhoods.
Supporters see the proposal differently. They argue that firearm injuries create enormous medical, law-enforcement and social-service costs. The companies profiting from gun sales, they say, should help cover some of those expenses.
That leaves Illinois with a pretty basic question: Should gunmakers help pay for the damage caused with their products, or should responsibility remain with the criminals who misuse them?
CCRKBA’s answer is clear.
“Bad actors who are kept in jails and prisons aren’t out on the streets,” Gottlieb said.
SB 2279 has not passed. The measure was re-referred to the Illinois Senate Assignments Committee on May 22, meaning it remains a proposal rather than law.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.