The 2026 spring legislative session has come to a close, and Senator Chris Balkema wanted to personally share an update with those who have consistently stood up for our Second Amendment rights.
“This year, gun owners made their voices heard,” said Senator Balkema. “Thanks to the efforts of engaged citizens, advocacy organizations like the Illinois State Rifle Association, and lawmakers committed to protecting our constitutional freedoms, several anti-gun proposals were stopped before they became law.”
Legislation that was defeated or blocked this session included:
- Glock ban
- RIFL Act
- Ammunition serialization and tax scheme
- Polling place gun ban
While these proposals did not advance, the fight to protect the Second Amendment is far from over.
Throughout the legislative session, Senator Balkema introduced and supported numerous bills that would strengthen the rights of responsible firearm owners, including legislation to:
- Display the FOID card expiration date more clearly (SB0109)
- Allow concealed carry by licensed individuals on buses, trains, and other public transportation (SB0110, SB3135)
- Reduce the cost of replacing a Concealed Carry License from $75 to $5 (SB0288)
- Legalize firearm suppressors (SB0297)
- Repeal the FOID Card Act (SB0298, SB1222)
- Remove the FOID card requirement to purchase, possess, sell, or transfer firearm ammunition (SB3132)
- Allow schools to offer firearm safety courses (SB1210)
- Remove concealed carry restrictions at public parks, public transportation, and IDOT rest areas (SB3134, SB1332, SB1336, SB1212)
- Allow professional firefighters to carry a concealed firearm while on duty with a valid license and local approval (SB1214)
- Require FOID card revocations to be handled through the courts rather than solely by the Illinois State Police (SB3346)
- Improve concealed carry reciprocity for qualified non-residents (SB3095, SB3127)
- Lower the age to apply for a FOID card without parental consent from 21 to 18 (SB3096)
- Reform the FOID card renewal process by establishing reasonable renewal limits (SB3097)
Unfortunately, these pro-Second Amendment reforms were not given the opportunity to become law this year. Senator Balkema remains committed to continuing this fight and introducing legislation that protects the constitutional rights of responsible Illinois citizens.
Senator Balkema thanks everyone for staying informed, speaking up, and remaining engaged. He believes your involvement makes a difference, and together we will continue defending the freedoms guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
