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Cook County committee urges state to adopt Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act after public testimony
Summary
The Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee voted to adopt a resolution urging Illinois lawmakers to pass the Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL/"Bridal") Act after multiple public speakers and medical and community advocates described gun-injury costs and urged manufacturer accountability.
The Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Cook County Board adopted a resolution urging the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act, also called the Bridal Act, after public testimony from medical, advocacy and community witnesses.
The resolution was moved by Commissioner Vasquez and seconded by Commissioner Anaya; the chair announced "the ayes have it" and the resolution was adopted. Supporters said the measure would require firearm manufacturers that profit from sales to contribute annually to a state fund tied to how often their products are recovered in shootings, and that those funds should be used for survivor services and community violence intervention (CVI) programs.
Dr. Anthony Douglas, a surgical resident at the University of Chicago, told the committee Cook County recorded 2,352 emergency-department visits for firearm injuries in 2025 (per IDPH) and presented a conservative $2.1 billion estimate of associated costs. "Who foots that bill? We all do," he said, arguing that manufacturers currently avoid bearing those costs under federal protections and should be required to help fund prevention and care.
Jim McGrath, representing Indivisible Illinois, described the RIFL proposal as a licensing or fee model that would shift medical and other costs from victims and taxpayers to manufacturers. "This has nothing to do with controlling guns," McGrath said. "What it does is reallocate the cost for gun violence from taxpayers and victims to gun makers."
Lois Love of Waging Peace urged the county to act as a cosponsor of the state bill so funds could flow to CVI work and reduce harm in neighborhoods.
Several commissioners voiced support during floor remarks, acknowledging limits on county authority but arguing the county's endorsement would signal local backing for the measure in Springfield. Commissioners also noted they expect legal challenges from national groups and that state-level consensus will be required.
The committee recorded the public testimony and approved the resolution as a statement to the state legislature; no change in law was enacted by the county itself. The committee added present members as cosponsors where requested; the resolution now goes into the public record as the county's formal encouragement for the Illinois General Assembly to act.
