Illinois General Assembly – Bill Status for HB0888

Dan-Didech-endorse-small
Filed by Rep. Daniel Didech (Democrat – Buffalo Grove)

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Department of State Police shall conduct a search of the purchasers' social media accounts available to the public to determine if there is any information that would disqualify the person from obtaining or require revocation of a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Provides that each applicant for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card shall furnish to the Department of State Police a list of every social media account.

In Illinois, The State Has a Thousand Eyes

by A GunsSaveLife Member

Apparently, if HB-0888 passes the Illinois State Police are going to start searching social media (including forums) for reasons to deny Illinois residents FOID cards, which is the only way to legally own, possess and buy firearms or ammunition.

There is no definition of what constitutes a reason on social media to deny a FOID application. So, our "friends" at the state police get to make up their own reasons and use their own judgements.

Why could that become a problem? Well, since the Chicago Democrats (now) control a the House, the Senate, and the Governor's mansion, and since the Democratic leadership is strongly, bordering on rabidly anti-gun, it seems likely this will pass if they want it.

This bill will require FOID card holders to supply the Illinois State Police with a list of all their social media accounts and access to those accounts (passwords, in other words). So some guy or gal who knew a politically-connected patronage job dispenser and got a $15 an hour job processing FOID and concealed carry applications at the Illinois State Police headquarters can nose through your social media posts, your private messages and your personal photos. Does that make you all warm and fuzzy inside?

Not only that, but rumor has it this will include all forums (IllinoisCarry.com, AR15.com, and others), as well as the obvious socials like Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and whatever all the others might be.

Personally, I’m shutting down my limited social media presence since I have no idea what the ISP considers reasons for revoking one’s FOID card. Certainly, I’ll be watching the movement of this bill closely and be ready to testify at the first hearing. I hope others will follow their favorite gun organizations about how to use your computer to register a record of appearance to show your position on this Bill.