State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) filed legislation today that would ensure that concealed carry permit holders are not being shortchanged on the length of time their cards are valid.
HB 364, amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act to align concealed carry renewals with the dates of expiration of previous cards rather than five years from the date the renewal application is processed.
“This issue was brought to my attention by a few constituents who were essentially being penalized by submitting all required renewal documentation early within the 120-day timeframe recommended by the Illinois State Police,” said Reick. “These folks were receiving new cards that expired five years from the date their new information was processed rather than five years from the date their former card was issued. Gun owners who wish to carry are paying for a five-year permit, not a 4 ¾-year permit.”
The bill should be assigned to a substantive committee in the coming days or weeks, and Reick expects bipartisan support of the measure. “This is an issue of fairness,” Reick said. “These are individuals who are taking proactive steps to ensure they remain compliant with the Illinois concealed carry law, but they’re also not interested in paying for periods of double-coverage.”