June 26, 2020

The Illinois Firearms Dealers License Certification Act was enacted on January 17, 2019.  It required the Illinois State Police (“ISP”) to adopt regulations governing the security measures required to be adopted by all federally licensed firearms dealers that operate retail stores in Illinois.  The permanent regulations adopted by the ISP were approved on June 16, 2020.
 
Among other things, the regulations adopted by the ISP impose security requirements for securely storing firearms when the store is closed, video surveillance to monitor sales transactions and provide evidence in the case of potential burglaries or robberies, and alarm systems.  The ISP had initially proposed regulations in August 2019, but they were not adopted because of opposition from firearms dealers on the basis that compliance with them would have been so costly that it would force them to go out of business.  Requirements for video surveillance systems do not go into effect until January 2, 2021, and those regulations are still being finalized.  The requirements for secure storage and alarm systems are currently in effect.
 
For additional information on state laws and regulations applicable to the manufacture and sale of firearms, please contact John F. Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.