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Lake County committee signals support for state bill to make gunmakers pay for victim services
Summary
After public testimony from survivors and prosecutors, the Lake County Legislative Committee on Feb. 3 indicated consensus to send a county resolution urging the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation—referred to in testimony as the "Bridal Act" or "Rifle Act"—that would require firearm manufacturers to contribute to a fund for survivor services and violence-prevention programs.
The Lake County Legislative Committee on Feb. 3 moved to advance a resolution asking the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation that witnesses described as the "Bridal Act" (also called the "Rifle Act" in testimony), a proposal to require firearm manufacturers to contribute annually to a state fund supporting survivor services and community violence intervention programs.
Supporters told the committee the measure would shift part of the financial burden of firearm injuries away from victims and taxpayers. "In 2024, Lake County had 109 firearm injuries recorded by IDPH," Dr. Anthony Douglas told the committee, adding that a conservative estimate of direct and indirect costs for those injuries is about $92,000,000. "Who foots this bill? The answer is we all do," he said.
Why it matters: Advocates said the proposed fee…
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