HB0019 (2025): Flamethrower Regulation Under FOID Card Act

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 pre-filed on December 5, 2024, received its first reading on January 9, 2025, and was referred to the Rules Committee. It was assigned to the Judiciary - Criminal Committee on February 4, 2025, and was re-referred to the Rules Committee under Rule 19(a) on March 21, 2025, which remains the last recorded action on the bill. The 104th General Assembly adjourned its 2026 spring session sine die on June 1, 2026, without further action, leaving the bill dead for the spring session. Revival would require action in the fall veto session, scheduled for November 17-19 and December 1-3, 2026, or reintroduction in the 105th General Assembly.

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.