IllinoisSB1899104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

FOID-DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM

Sponsored By: Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that a person charged with certain weapon-related offenses under the Criminal Code of 2012 and sentenced to the First Time Weapons Offense Program under the Unified Code of Corrections or any other court-ordered diversionary program created by law or by a court of the State of Illinois may submit an application for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card before receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program. Directs the Illinois State Police to issue a Firearm Owner's Identification Card to such a person upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program, provided the person is otherwise eligible to receive a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Specifies that a FOID application made under this provision shall be approved or denied within 10 business days of receiving a court order or written notification from a State's Attorney that the person completed a diversionary program.

assignmentsexecutiverestorative justice & public safety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Firearm ID access after completing diversion

People who successfully complete the First Time Weapon Offense Program or the applicable weapons-offense diversion program can seek firearm identification. They must first get a court order showing completion. Illinois State Police must issue a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card if the person meets all other legal requirements. Completion does not override existing legal grounds to deny or revoke a card.

Diversion with conditions for first-time weapon defendants

The law creates supervised diversion instead of a conviction for eligible first-time weapon defendants. It covers unlawful weapon possession charges under sections 24-1 or 24-1.6, punishable as a Class 4 felony or lower. Eligible offenses must have occurred on or after January 1, 2018. The defendant and State’s Attorney must consent, and the court decides whether to allow diversion. The State’s Attorney can also request an appropriate diversion program under a parallel process. Violent offenses, prior violent convictions or juvenile findings, prior violent-offense probation or conditional discharge, and existing protection orders bar participation. Prior successful completion also bars participation. Courts weigh age, maturity, mental capacity, offense details, rehabilitation, documented trauma, and public safety. The First Time Weapon Offense Program lasts 6–24 months, with oversight by a court-appointed administrator. Participants must avoid new crimes, firearms, and dangerous weapons and attend required program activities. Courts can also require work efforts, schooling, community service, drug testing, and payment of fines, fees, and costs. Valid prescription use remains allowed. The court delays judgment while the program is pending; program probation counts as a conviction for probation conditions and appeals. Only one program discharge and dismissal is allowed per person. A conviction within five years afterward allows the earlier dismissal to be used to support a tougher sentence.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Christopher Belt

    Democratic • Senate

  • Justin Slaughter

    Democratic • House

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mattie Hunter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Simmons

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 241 • No: 11

Senate vote • 5/31/2025

House Committee Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs

Yes: 55 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Executive;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 5/23/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 97 • No: 11

House vote • 5/1/2025

Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee;

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 54 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Do Pass as Amended Executive;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • House Amendment 1

  • Introduced

  • Senate Amendment 1

  • Senate Amendment 2

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