South West Illinois News

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Whitney O’Daniel testified against HB5855 at the House Judiciary Committee’s Dec. 20 hearing on the bill. 

The hearing was one of three in which opponents and proponents of the legislation shared testimony. 

“This law also will prohibit shooting ranges to operate with these firearms,” O’Daniel told legislators. “This includes the world's largest shooting complex in the state of Illinois town of Sparta, which is known as the World Shooting and Recreational Complex.” 

O'Daniel explained that the facility is owned by the state of Illinois and operated by the Department of Natural Resources. The facility hosts annual events that bring in millions of tourism dollars to Sparta and the counties surrounding it, "such as St. Clair, Perry, and Randolph.” 

“Understand that shooting ranges are a secure location for teaching the safe use of firearm usage for sporting purposes, self-defense, and also what is allowed under Illinois law concealed carry weapons training," O'Daniel said. "Without these locations, law-abiding citizens and law enforcement will not be allowed to educate and practice safe usage.”

Critics say HB5855 would pose limitations to young hunters who have been able to exercise their right to carry while hunting alone. “It prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from owning a firearm or hunting without being with someone with a FOID card over the age of 21 while they're hunting. So those are the three main areas that have received discussion,” State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) said of the ban, according to SE Illinois News.

The legislation would also affect underaged athletes who compete as part of the Illinois State High School Clay Target League.

Republican activist and former House candidate Jennifer Korte is also voicing opposition to the bill. Korte is particularly disappointed by youth hunters being negatively impacted. “Some of you are following HB5855 ‘Protection IL Communities Act.’ This legislation would make it illegal for adults ages 18-20 to hunt alone,” Korte said on Facebook, Metro East Sun reported. “They would need an 'adult' to supervise. It is interesting that they use the term 'youth' when describing adults 18-20 yrs of age.”