Illinois preempts most local firearm regulation under the FOID Card Act and Wildlife Code, leaving home rule cities limited authority over assault weapons and certain narrow areas.
The Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card Act (430 ILCS 65) requires every Illinois resident who possesses or acquires firearms or ammunition to obtain a FOID card from the Illinois State Police. The Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66) preempts local regulation of the carrying, transportation, and registration of handguns. Section 13.1 of the FOID Act preempted assault weapons regulation as of July 19, 2013, except in municipalities that had ordinances in effect before that date. Home rule taxation and zoning powers remain.
Possession without a valid FOID card is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 3 felony for subsequent offenses, with fines up to $25,000.
See how Fairview Heights's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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