SPRINGFIELD – State Representative John M. Cabello (R-Machesney Park) issued a sharp rebuke of Senate Bill 8, a sweeping and misguided gun control package that punishes law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to actually deter crime.
“This is a gun control bill disguised as public safety,” said Rep. Cabello. “This legislation criminalizes gun owners for circumstances entirely out of their control, erodes constitutional rights, and creates a mountain of bureaucratic red tape that burdens everyday citizens instead of focusing on the real problem: violent offenders.”
This major change to state law would impose harsh civil penalties on gun owners if someone gains access to their legally owned firearm—even if it’s through theft.
“Only in Illinois would we hold victims of crime more accountable than the criminals,” Cabello said. “Now, if someone breaks into your home and steals your firearm, you could be slapped with a $10,000 fine. It is ridiculous and anti-American.”
“Democrats are so eager to score points with out-of-state anti-gun groups that they’ve abandoned common sense entirely,” Cabello added. “Instead of enforcing the laws we already have or holding repeat offenders accountable, they’re placing blame on law-abiding citizens and undermining the Second Amendment.”
The legislation passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 69-40.
For further details or inquiries, please contact Representative Cabello at 815-621-2196.
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John M. Cabello is the Assistant Minority Leader and State Representative for Illinois’ 90th House District, which includes the following communities in Winnebago, Stephenson, and Boone counties: Rockford, Machesney Park, Freeport, Roscoe, Loves Park, Rockton, South Beloit, Caledonia, Durand, Rock City, and Rockton.