DeKalb Times

In his Aug. 14 Facebook post, Rep. John M. Cabello pointed out how many jobs may be at risk after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a new law targeting firearms manufacturers. On Aug. 12, Pritzker signed a bill into law that made it illegal for firearms manufacturers to advertise in a way that encouraged paramilitary activity advertised to youths under 18 and to create a situation that could create an unsafe situation for the public at large.

"Firearm manufacturing companies employ tens of thousands of hardworking Illinoisans in manufacturing, logistics and components," Cabello said. "Will Illinois Democrats chase these jobs out of Illinois with their new Gun Ban law?"

Signed into law following the Illinois State Supreme Court’s upholding the semi-automatic weapons ban known as the Protect Our Communities Act, another bill targets the firearm industry. That bill is House Bill 0218, which was sent to Pritzker for signing on June 16. It was signed into law on Aug. 12.

The new law “provides that it is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act for any firearm industry member, through the sale, manufacturing, importing or marketing of a firearm-related product, to: (i) knowingly create, maintain or contribute to a condition in Illinois that endangers the safety or health of the public by conduct either unlawful in itself or unreasonable under all circumstances, including failing to establish or utilize reasonable controls; (ii) advertise, market, or promote a firearm-related product in a manner that reasonably appears to support, recommend, or encourage individuals to engage in unlawful paramilitary or private militia activity; (iii) advertise, market, promote, design, or sell any firearm-related product in a manner that reasonably appears to support, recommend, or encourage persons under 18 years of age to unlawfully purchase or unlawfully possess or use a firearm-related product.”

Cabello shared a link to The Center Square article that pointed out the firearm industry's vulnerability. The Center Square spoke with a Naperville firearm manufacturer and retailer about their thoughts on the bill. Robert Bevis of firearm manufacturer and retailer Law Weapons in Naperville said the measure is another example of an infringement. 

“Automobile manufacturers are not responsible for people that drive drunk and crash their cars. We can’t be held responsible for the way somebody uses a firearm if it’s in a nefarious way,” Bevis said.

The publication also noted that “Bevis is a lead plaintiff in one of the cases pending in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals challenging Illinois’ and Naperville’s gun and magazine ban. In a separate state-level case, the state’s ban was upheld Friday by the Illinois Supreme Court.”

On Aug. 11, WIFR reported that House Bill 218 could be the next legal battle for the state. The outlet spoke with Sen. Steve Stadelman who called the advertising of weapons geared toward children “just dangerous.” The station also spoke with Sen. Dave Syverson, who had a different opinion. He said it was legislation with no purpose.

“What they call marketing is so broad. There’s not a real targeting of young people because young people can’t purchase anyways, unless they’re doing it illegally,” Syverson said.