HB0019 (2025): Flamethrower Regulation Under FOID Card Act
HB0019 (2025): Flamethrower Regulation Under FOID Card Act
House bill that would bring flamethrowers under the Illinois FOID Card Act, requiring a valid FOID card for possession and imposing a 72-hour waiting period on purchases.
What the Bill Would Do
HB0019 would amend the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act to add flamethrowers to the list of items requiring a valid FOID card for acquisition or possession. It would also amend the Criminal Code of 2012 to impose a 72-hour waiting period on flamethrower sales, mirroring the existing waiting period for firearms.
Key provisions:
- Requires a currently valid FOID card to acquire or possess a flamethrower
- Imposes a 72-hour waiting period between purchase application and delivery
- Makes delivery of a flamethrower without the waiting period a Class 4 felony
- Exempts military, law enforcement, and other specified persons
- Defines "flamethrower" in Illinois statute for the first time
Sponsors
The bill was introduced by Rep. Daniel Didech (D).
Current Status
HB0019 was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Rules Committee. It was assigned to the Judiciary - Criminal Committee but was re-referred to Rules under Rule 19(a). On March 19, 2026, it received a unanimous Do Pass vote from the Rules Committee (19-0-0), advancing it for floor consideration.
Context
Illinois does not currently regulate flamethrowers at the state level. While some devices fall under general arson or reckless conduct statutes, flamethrowers themselves are not defined or specifically restricted in Illinois law. This bill would make Illinois one of a handful of states to explicitly regulate flamethrower possession, bringing them under the existing FOID framework rather than creating a new regulatory structure. The unanimous committee vote suggests bipartisan support for the measure.