SB-1657 was legislation passed earlier this year to create a state-run firearms dealer licensing program. Governor Bruce Rauner eventually vetoed the bill. The last day for the General Assembly to act on and override the veto was Wednesday, April 25, which would make the bill officially dead for now. 58th District State Senator Paul Schimpf says he’s okay with that outcome.
Firearm dealers are already licensed and regulated by the federal government (ATF).
The state licensing system would impose another layer of bureaucracy, regulation, registration, fees and permits which Senator Schimpf says could be costly for smaller firearm dealers.
The legislation exempted corporate retailers from the extra layer of government.