Springfield Passes Bill Prohibiting FOID List Disclosure

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 20, 2011 7:20PM

The Illinois General Assembly approved by a 42-1 vote a bill that would prohibit the names of Firearm Owner's Identification Card owners to be released. If Gov. Quinn signs the bill into law, it would reverse a ruling by State Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who ordered the Illinois State Police to release the names of FOID owners under the Freedom of Information Act.

Madigan's ruling created loud debate on the issue. Proponents of her ruling said that it's a matter of public policy, that the public should determine whether FOID cards were approved for people who shouldn't have them. Opponents say releasing the information could make it easier for criminals to determine, for example, what houses are easier to burglarize. It's unknown at this time whether Quinn will sign the bill.