New Illinois Gun Laws 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Illinois is rolling out a few firearm-related legal changes that gun owners should be aware of. The biggest update centers on safe firearm storage, with additional changes to lost or stolen gun reporting and FOID eligibility for a narrow group of first-time offenders.

These laws don’t ban new firearms or magazines, but they do increase compliance requirements and penalties if you ignore them.

Illinois Gun Law Updates for 2026

Safe Gun Storage Act (SB 0008 / HB 3688) – Read Full Law Here

Illinois now requires firearm owners to securely store firearms if there is a reasonable chance they could be accessed by:

• a minor, anyone under the age of 18
• an at-risk individual, or
• someone legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

Firearms must be stored in a locked container or secured with a locking device that prevents unauthorized access.

✔️ A “Minor”

• Defined as a person under 18 years old.
• The only exception to this age rule is someone under 18 who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard — those individuals are not treated as minors for this law.

✔️ An “At-Risk Person”

• This term means someone who has made statements or shown behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe they are likely to attempt suicide or attempt physical harm to themselves or others.
• It’s a behavior-based standard, not just a label — what matters is whether the situation would cause a reasonable person to conclude there’s risk.

✔️ A “Prohibited Person”

• A person who, under federal or state law, is legally barred from possessing firearms.
• This includes people whose rights have been revoked due to felony convictions, protective orders, adjudications of mental incompetence, and similar categories.

📌 What “Reasonably Should Know” Means

The bill’s language uses the phrase “knows or reasonably should know” when determining whether a firearm owner must secure a gun. This means:

• There doesn’t have to be absolute proof that the person will access the gun — it’s about whether a reasonable person in the same situation would have foreseen the risk.

• For example:

  • If you leave a loaded firearm on your bed in a house where a minor frequently goes into your room, a reasonable person likely should know the minor could access it.

  • If someone in your household is expressing self-harm intentions and firearms are unsecured, that also meets the standard.

This mirrors other civil-law standards: it’s about what a reasonable, ordinary person would anticipate, not about what the owner claimed they personally thought.

Penalties:

Violations start around $500, but fines can climb up to $10,000 if an unsecured firearm is used in a crime or results in injury or death.

📌 When a Firearm Is Considered Properly Stored

The law explicitly says a firearm is deemed lawfully stored or kept when it is:

• Being carried by the owner, or

• Under the owner’s control (e.g., being transported as permitted by law).

This prevents the storage mandate from applying to situations where a person has immediate, lawful possession of the firearm.

Lost or Stolen Firearm Reporting

Gun owners must now report a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours of discovering it is missing. 
This shortens the previous 72-hour window and applies statewide.

Failure to report on time can result in fines and potential FOID-related consequences.

FFL Dealer Used Gun Serial Number Check

A section of this bill requires Illinois FFLs to conduct a serial-number check to verify that all used firearms transferred are not stolen.

Here is another excerpt from the bill.

FOID Card Eligibility Changes (SB 1899) – Read Full Law Here

Illinois has also created a limited diversion pathway for certain first-time, low-level weapon offenders.
If an individual completes the court-approved diversion program and otherwise qualifies, they may be allowed to apply for a FOID card after completion.

This does not apply to violent offenses or repeat violations and does not broadly expand gun rights.

Bottom Line for Illinois Gun Owners

No new firearm bans take effect in 2026, but storage and reporting rules are stricter and enforceable. If you own firearms in Illinois, make sure:

• your guns are properly secured when others could access them, and
• any lost or stolen firearm is reported within 48 hours.

Exisiting IL Gun Laws:

Illinois already enforces several major firearm laws that gun owners must comply with today. These laws remain in effect heading into 2026 and form the legal backdrop for the new changes taking effect next year.

Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA)

The Protect Illinois Communities Act, enacted in 2023, bans the sale and manufacture of certain semiautomatic firearms defined by the state as “assault weapons,” along with restrictions on magazine capacity and firearm accessories such as rapid-fire conversion devices. While ongoing litigation continues in federal courts, PICA remains fully enforceable statewide unless and until a court issues a binding ruling changing enforcement.

Karina’s Law

Karina’s Law strengthens firearm removal procedures when a person becomes legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a qualifying protection order. Under this law, individuals who lose FOID eligibility due to domestic violence-related court orders must surrender firearms promptly, and law enforcement is granted expanded authority to ensure compliance.

Firearms Restraining Order Act (Red Flag Law)

Illinois’ Firearms Restraining Order Act allows law enforcement and certain family or household members to petition a court to remove firearms from individuals temporarily deemed a credible danger to themselves or others. These civil orders are time-limited and require judicial review, but they are actively enforced across the state.

❓ FAQ – Illinois Gun Laws

Q: What does Karina’s Law require gun owners to do?
A: Karina’s Law requires individuals who lose FOID eligibility under qualifying court orders to surrender firearms promptly, and law enforcement may take action to ensure compliance.
🚨 Important: Failure to comply can result in severe criminal penalties.

Q: What is a Firearms Restraining Order in Illinois?
A: A Firearms Restraining Order (FRO), often referred to as a “red flag” order, allows law enforcement or eligible family or household members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone deemed a credible danger to themselves or others. These orders are civil, time-limited, and require judicial approval.
🧾 Key Detail: FROs do not permanently revoke gun rights but can lead to temporary firearm removal and FOID implications.

Q: Do Illinois gun owners have to lock up their firearms?
A: Under current Illinois law, firearm storage requirements already exist in certain situations. Beginning January 1, 2026, new legislation expands those requirements, mandating secure storage when a minor, at-risk individual, or prohibited person could reasonably access a firearm.
🔐 Practical Advice: Using a gun safe, lock, or secured container will be the safest way to stay compliant.

Q: Are magazine limits still in effect in Illinois?
A: Yes. Magazine capacity limits established under PICA remain in effect statewide. These limits apply regardless of pending court challenges and are actively enforced.

Q: Will Illinois gun laws change again after 2026?
A: Illinois firearm laws continue to evolve through legislation and court rulings. While 2026 introduces significant changes, additional updates are always possible through future bills or judicial decisions.
📰 Stay Informed: Gun owners should regularly monitor official Illinois State Police guidance and legislative updates.

Written by the Voodoo Firearms Team

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