URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The Champaign County Board has approved a resolution supporting statewide legislation that would require firearm manufacturers to help cover the public costs associated with gun violence.
At its Feb. 19 meeting, the board passed Resolution No. 2026-43 in support of the Illinois Responsibility in Firearms Legislation (RIFL) Act. The measure was introduced by District 4 board members Elly Hanauer-Friedman and Jenny Lokshin and passed with a large majority. Similar resolutions have recently been adopted in Cook County and Lake County.
County Executive Steve Summers said the resolution aligns with the county’s ongoing commitment to gun violence prevention and public safety efforts. Hanauer-Friedman said the proposed legislation would both encourage safer firearm production and address the financial burden gun violence places on Illinois communities.
The legislation is sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Olickal and State Sen. Robert Peters, with co-sponsorship from Sen. Paul Faraci. If enacted, firearm manufacturers would be required to contribute annually to a state fund in order to obtain licensure to distribute, import or sell firearms in Illinois. Contributions would be based on their products’ connection to firearm-related injuries or deaths in the state.
According to supporters, funds generated by the measure would support evidence-based violence and suicide prevention programs, victim services and high-risk youth intervention initiatives, including organizations operating locally in Champaign County.
Speaking in favor of the resolution during the meeting, Larry Boone, chief of police in Urbana, said firearm accountability must be part of a broader public safety strategy.
“If the RIFL Act strengthens accountability within the firearms industry and establishes real mechanisms to deter irresponsible distribution practices, then it’s a meaningful step forward to reducing the flow of illegal guns,” Boone said. “Public safety demands a layered strategy. Enforcement alone cannot solve gun violence — prevention accountability and responsible industry practices must work in tandem.”
Supporters of the bill cite data showing firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens, pregnant women, and a primary means of suicide in Illinois. More than 6,700 firearm-related injuries and deaths occur annually in the state, generating an estimated $18–20 billion in direct and indirect costs.
Backers of the RIFL Act argue that shifting a portion of those costs to firearm manufacturers would ease the burden on taxpayers while creating financial incentives for safer industry practices. A cost-benefit analysis cited by advocates projects savings of $297 million in the first year of implementation and $520 million by the third year.
The RIFL Act Coalition, which includes more than 60 organizations across Illinois, is advocating for the bill’s passage during the 104th General Assembly.