Tag: red flag law

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

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
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.”

Rep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her fight to get weapons of war off our streets as a member of the new House Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group.

“No one should feel unsafe on a trip to the grocery store, sitting in a classroom, attending a parade or simply living their lives. Yet too often, gun violence turns these seemingly-harmless situations deadly, stealing the lives of innocent people,” Hirschauer said. “We must use our anger and grief to take action and make sure mass shootings and everyday gun violence become relics of the past. Gun violence is a public health crisis that we must address.”

In the aftermath of the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Hirschauer and colleagues on the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group will work with stakeholders and community advocates to propose meaningful legislative solutions to curb gun violence and improve public safety.

Hirschauer’s placement on the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group is a continuation of her work to promote gun safety and gun control measures. She recently took part in a meeting with White House leaders on state-level action to hold gun manufacturers accountable for their role in mass shootings. She has also sponsored bills to create a firearm registry and ban assault weapons statewide.

“Illinois has the power and momentum to take strong legislative action to prevent gun violence and keep our families and communities safe, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and other stakeholders to craft a shared response to address gun violence and firearm safety,” Hirschauer said. “Gun violence is a complex public safety issue that calls for multifaceted solutions, and I am confident the work of the House Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group will inform and inspire meaningful change for our communities.”

For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.com or contact her office at office@repmaura49.com.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the hands of potentially violent individuals,

having recently voted to pass a measure to strengthen specific firearm restrictions for people who pose a risk to themselves or others.

“When someone is exhibiting dangerous behaviors, taking appropriate precautions is critical for their own safety and the safety of everyone around them,” said Hirschauer. “A short-term hold on the person’s ability to purchase or possess a firearm may very well prevent a catastrophic shooting event, but it’s incumbent on those closest to them and law enforcement officials working together—and quickly—to respond if someone is a possible threat.”

Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 1092, which expands the scope of Illinois’ “red flag” law, under which close family or household members can petition a judge to temporarily remove guns from a person who poses a threat to others or themselves. Red flag laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, have received renewed attention recently, as Indiana’s version could have potentially prevented an April mass shooting at a FedEx facility had it been used to its fullest extent.

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 1092 strengthens the original Illinois law that took effect in 2019, expanding who can petition the courts for a firearms restraining order to include former spouses and partners who share a child with a potential shooter. To ensure law enforcement officers are familiar with how the law is supposed to work, the measure creates a training program for local authorities, as well as a public awareness campaign to empower more people to use it.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk,” said Hirschauer. “By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

House Bill 1092 passed the House last week and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk. By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”