Illinois 2026: Firearms Restraining Order Expansion Bills

What the Bills Would Do

Illinois's Firearms Restraining Order Act (430 ILCS 67) took effect on January 1, 2019, allowing family members, household members, and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger. Two bills introduced in the 104th General Assembly would amend this framework.

HB5403, Firearms Restraining Order Amendments: Would broaden the categories of petitioners eligible to file for a firearms restraining order. Assigned to the Gun Violence Prevention Committee on March 4, 2026, then re-referred to the Rules Committee on March 27, 2026^[1].

SB1206, Firearms Restraining Order: Law Enforcement: Would identify a law enforcement petitioner by the employing agency on public indexes concerning the petition, rather than by the individual officer's name. On March 13, 2026, a Rule 2-10 action established a March 27 committee deadline. After subsequent deadline extensions, the bill was re-referred to Assignments on May 22, 2026^[2].

Current Status

Neither bill received a committee vote. HB5403 was re-referred to the Rules Committee on March 27, 2026. SB1206 was re-referred to Assignments on May 22, 2026. ISP must submit a yearly report to the General Assembly or publish on its website the number of petitions entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

What to Watch

SB1206 would identify officer petitioners by their employing agency on public indexes. Currently, officers have discretion over whether to petition for a firearms restraining order. After an ex parte firearms restraining order is issued, the court must schedule a full hearing as soon as possible and within 14 days. The court may extend the emergency order for up to 14 days to effect service or continue protection, or for longer by mutual agreement of the parties.