Illinois bill would close loophole on purchase of ammunition

Sheriff Tom Dart shows two Illinois lawmakers guns that have been seized. Photo credit Sheriff Tom Dart

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — There's a push to get ammunition out of the hands — and out of the guns — of people who shouldn't have it in Illinois.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is among the backers of legislation that would require licensed gun dealers to check the validity of a buyer’s Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card when that person tries to purchase ammunition.

The retailers must check the validity of a FOID card when someone buys a firearm, but they are not required to do so for bullet sales. Authorities consider this a dangerous loophole because many people whose FOID cards have been revoked have not turned in their cards or failed to transfer their weapons to someone else.

“We’re just saying if you’re legally able to buy a gun you’re legally able to buy ammunition,” State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, said at a news conference Monday.

Meanwhile, Dart is sending a letter to licensed firearm dealers in Cook County asking them to voluntarily check the validity of a person’s FOID card before selling them ammunition.