HB2245/HB2246/HB2247 (2025): Firearms Law Shell Bills on Second Reading

What the Bills Would Do

As introduced, these three bills make only technical changes to their respective statutes:

• HB2245 amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act — makes a technical change to the short title section
• HB2246 amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act — makes a technical change to the short title section
• HB2247 amends the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act — makes a technical change concerning federal agencies and investigations

In their current form, these bills make no substantive changes to Illinois firearms law. However, they are positioned as amendment vehicles — a common Illinois legislative practice where shell bills are advanced through the process and later amended with substantive language.

Sponsors

All three bills were introduced by Rep. Tony McCombie (R), the current House Minority Leader.

Current Status

All three bills were approved for consideration by the Rules Committee (5-0-0) on March 18, 2026 and are held on the Calendar Order of Second Reading — Short Debate. No substantive amendment was filed before adjournment. The 104th General Assembly adjourned its 2026 spring session sine die on June 1, 2026, without further action on any of the three bills, leaving them 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.

What to Watch

Shell bills are a standard tool in Illinois politics. The fact that these target three separate firearms statutes — concealed carry, restraining orders, and dealer licensing — means they could be amended to address a wide range of firearms policy issues. Their sponsor, the House Minority Leader, suggests potential bipartisan or Republican-led amendments to these firearms laws. Watch for amendment filings that would add substantive language to any of these bills.