Several new Illinois laws signed this year by Gov. JB Pritzker will take effect in 2026, bringing changes to firearm storage requirements, police background checks, criminal justice reforms, and protections for vulnerable populations.

Safe Gun Storage Requirements

Under Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, Illinois gun owners will be required to take additional steps to secure firearms in their homes, particularly when children or at-risk individuals are present.

The law prohibits storing firearms in an unsecured manner at any location where a minor, a person at risk of harming themselves or others, or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm could gain access. Firearms must be kept in a locked container and rendered inaccessible or unusable by anyone other than the owner.

Violations could result in fines of up to $10,000.

The law also shortens the timeframe for reporting lost or stolen firearms. Gun owners must now notify law enforcement within 48 hours of discovering a firearm is missing, down from the previous 72-hour requirement.

Expanded Background Checks for Law Enforcement

Senate Bill 1953 expands background check requirements for police officers and sheriff’s deputies. The legislation was passed in response to the 2024 killing of Springfield resident Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy.

Under the new law, law enforcement agencies must request employment and personnel records from an applicant’s previous employers, including other police departments. Those records must be provided within 14 days.

Applicants will also be required to authorize the release of extensive background information, including military service records, disciplinary history, criminal records, driving history, academic credentials, and credit checks.

State Sen. Doris Turner of Springfield, who sponsored the bill, said the measure is intended to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Path to Gun Ownership for First-Time Offenders

Senate Bill 1899 creates a limited pathway for first-time firearm offenders to legally obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card.

The law applies to individuals charged with a Class 4 felony for unlawful possession of a firearm. Eligible individuals may apply for a FOID card after successfully completing the First Time Weapons Offense Diversion Program and obtaining a court order. Supporters say the change will primarily benefit young, first-time offenders.

Statute of Limitations Eliminated for Human Trafficking of Minors

House Bill 2602 eliminates the statute of limitations for cases involving human trafficking and involuntary servitude of minors.

Previously, victims had up to 25 years to pursue charges. The new law allows survivors to bring charges at any time for crimes committed against them while they were minors. The legislation passed the General Assembly unanimously.

Changes to Missing Persons Reports

Senate Bill 24 prohibits law enforcement agencies from imposing waiting periods before accepting missing persons reports. Police are now required to immediately enter missing persons information into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

The law also requires missing persons cases to remain open until the individual is located.