On Wednesday, May 9, a “bait and switch” was done on House Bill 218, the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, during the second reading on the House floor amending it to the “Firearm Industry Responsibility Act.” Then on Wednesday, May 10, the House passed HB 218 by a Democratic majority party-line vote and sent it to the Senate for committee referral.
Let’s talk about fraud and deception. First, taking a bill that has already passed the committee, stripping it, amending in new language that citizens do not get to review and comment on, and then passing it through the first chamber.
Second, HB 218, was amended to Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s “Firearm Industry Responsibility Act,” according to his press release is about addressing gun violence in Illinois. Attorney General Raoul has been vocal about his dislike for firearms and is blaming the firearm industry for Illinois’ gun violence problems.
HB 218, as amended, will hold everyone and anyone involved with firearms subject to civil liability if they fail to establish reasonable control over the criminal activities of others with a firearm. HB 218 even includes a resemblance to California’s ban on “marketing” to minors, except this bill allows “reasonable” marketing, whatever that means. The Sportsmen’s Alliance has filed suit against the firearms marketing law in California because it will destroy hunter recruitment.
With the tactics that are being pulled by anti-sportsmen/gun control advocates we are asking everyone to start contacting their state Senator IMMEDIATELY urging them to OPPOSE HB 218. This egregious bill is just bad policy motivated by those who simply want to destroy the sporting community because they know that if the industry cannot engage in lawful commerce, hunters and sport shooters cannot hunt and shoot. Please use our Take Action button to ensure your state Senator receives your email respectfully urging them to OPPOSE HB 218.
Don’t forget to share this important alert with your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen asking them to also email their state Senator urging them to OPPOSE HB 218.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.