Preckwinkle Lauds Approval Of Lost And Stolen Firearms Ordinance

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle lauded the passage by the Cook County Board today of an ordinance requiring firearm owners to report the sale, loss, theft, destruction or transfer of firearms. Individuals who sell, lose, destroy, transfer or have their firearm stolen in the County, are now required to report it to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office within 48 hours. Firearm owners will be required to report the make, model and serial number of the firearm, along with the date and location of purchase. Individuals who fail to comply will be subject to a $1,000 fine for the first violation. The fine will be $1,500 for each gun on the second offense and $2,000 for each subsequent violation. Cook County’s ordinance complements legislation proposed by the city of Chicago. The County and City are working together to increase coordination, step up enforcement and reduce the flow of guns on our streets. “This ordinance is an important step to ensure that guns purchased legally do not wind up in the hands of criminals,” President Preckwinkle said. “We are giving law enforcement the additional tools they need to reduce the number of guns purchased legally that are used in shootings. This is part of a comprehensive effort to stop the violence plaguing our neighborhoods.” Practically speaking, the ordinance deters straw purchasers, protects rightful owners of firearms from being implicated in crimes, and prevents these deadly weapons from getting into the wrong hands, said Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-7th), who co-sponsored the ordinance. The ordinance goes into effect in August 2013.