In a significant development, Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has endorsed a new law granting victims of gun violence the right to pursue legal action against gun manufacturers. The law, termed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, received the governor’s signature on a Saturday afternoon.
Gov. Pritzker discussed this legislative stride during his appearance at the Everytown for Gun Safety conference held at McCormick Place. Remarkably, this address followed a ruling by the state Supreme Court the day prior, upholding a contentious law that forbids the sale of so-called assault weapons within the state. The same law also restricts the distribution of high-capacity magazines and devices capable of transforming semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons.
The Firearm Industry Responsibility Act encompasses several measures aimed at curbing potentially harmful practices. The act prohibits advertising firearms to individuals under the age of 18 and places constraints on the types of imagery permitted in firearm advertisements. Most notably, the legislation empowers individuals to file lawsuits against firearm manufacturers.
Gov. Pritzker said, “Gun manufacturers shouldn’t get to hide from law, and now they won’t be able to.”
Also read: Texas Manhunt Ends: Gunman Accused of Killing Five Neighbors is Captured
Gov. Pritzker has affirmed that this firearms legislation was motivated by the tragic shooting incident in Highland Park last year. This legal stride is poised to spark discussions and debates about the balance between gun rights and public safety.
