Rep. Reis Demands Privacy Rights for Registered Gun Owners

March 2, 2011

Springfield, IL.…Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) is leading the charge to halt the Attorney General’s recent request on the Illinois State Police (ISP) to publically release the names of all registered gun owners in the state.

"I find it unfathomable that the chief legal authority of the state would make this ruling and make public targets out of non-gun possessing homeowners," Rep. Reis said.

Rep. Reis is standing with the National Rifle Association, Illinois State Police (ISP) and concerned, law-abiding gun owners across the state in fierce opposition to the Attorney General’s recent letter infringing on the privacy rights of all registered and unregistered gun owners across the state.

The Illinois State Police has historically kept the information about who have been issued a FOID Card confidential. The Attorney General’s office went on to say that the disclosure of this information would not endanger the lives of those citizens that do not own firearms.

“The Attorney General’s recent statements place every citizen in Illinois at risk. Citizens without a FOID card could be subject to crimes because criminals will now have a road map to each house in rural communities and neighborhoods unarmed and vulnerable to attack,” Rep. Reis said. “This is a dangerous and short-sighted decision which flies in the face of common sense.”

Rep. Reis is co-sponsoring House Bill 7 (HB 7) which protects the privacy rights of FOID Card holders by prohibiting state or local law enforcement agencies from disclosing lists of information pertaining to FOID Card holders or applicants. HB 7 was defeated in the House Judiciary I – Civil Law Committee on a 5-5 vote.

The recent ruling from the Attorney General was prompted by a Freedom of Information Act request by the Associated Press for the names and expiration dates of everyone that had a FOID Card. While it is unknown whether the ISP Police will comply with the Attorney General’s ruling, Rep. Reis hopes they will stand their ground and keep the names of the 1.3 million Illinois residents with a FOID Card confidential.

Rep. Reis encourages registered gun owners and concerned citizens to contact his legislative office and an express their concerns over the Attorney General’s recent actions to infringe on all citizens’ right to privacy. With further questions or concerns, please contact Rep. Reis’ Olney legislation office at 219 East Main Street or call the office at (618) 392-0108.