A new bill introduced in Springfield could potentially lower the minimum age for obtaining a Firearm Owner’s Identification FOID card in Illinois from 21 to 18. State Rep. Charlie Meier R-Highland, who filed the bill, argues that the change would allow high school students, particularly in southern Illinois, to participate in trap shooting activities, which are common at schools in the region.
The bill also proposes allowing individuals to be eligible for a FOID card if they have no misdemeanor convictions, other than for traffic violations or delinquent crimes.
For the bill to pass, it would need support from at least 60 House Democrats, which could be challenging. However, Meier suggests that many Democrats, despite their stance on gun rights, may own firearms themselves.
He pointed to the popularity of trap shooting among legislators across the state, noting that some who typically vote against gun rights have privately expressed interest in the activity.
Meier also stressed the importance of mental health resources for students, linking the need for better access to care with addressing incidents of gun violence in schools. Last year, there were 314 incidents involving firearms at schools, according to Statista.
The bill could be discussed when lawmakers reconvene later this month.