SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is signaling he’ll sign a bill passed in the General Assembly this week that targets gun manufacturers using deceptive marketing practices.
At issue, according to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, is the possibility of manufacturers and sellers being able to market to children.
“If you think it is far-fetched, I’m looking at an ad from ‘Wee 1 Tactical,’ with cartoon characters, marketing the ‘JR-15,’ and encourages you to ‘get ’em one like yours — smaller, safer, lighter,'” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “And if you really want to be disturbed, here’s an image from an ad of a toddler holding an assault weapon.”
While Harmon alleges the marketing of children, “Wee 1 Tactical’s” website requires you to enter your date of birth before proceeding.
Dealers and manufacturers could also be sued if they appear to advertise and promote illegal militia activity.
Republicans say House Bill 218 is simply too broad.
“It really just sets a whole myriad of additional liabilities for gun dealers,” said Senate Minority Leader John Curran (R-Lemont). “There’s parts of it that would be impossible for them to follow, or, they would not know.”
Pritzker says in a statement the Illinois Attorney General to hold makers and sellers accountable.
“Gun violence is a public health epidemic, and those who encourage unlawful use of a firearm or target sales of firearms to minors worsen the scourge of gun violence in our communities,” said Pritzker. “This legislation finally protects Illinoisans from predatory actions by the firearms industry…I intend to sign this bill into law and clarify the Attorney General’s ability to hold reckless manufacturers and advertisers accountable for their actions.”
After being sworn in for my 2nd term as AG, I announced I would ask the Legislature to clarify that my office has the power to hold the firearm industry accountable for its deceptive practices, and today, I am thankful that they have, and passed HB218 out of the General Assembly.
— Illinois Attorney General (@ILAttyGeneral) May 19, 2023
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