| The Illinois State Police administration has issued rules on the state’s “assault weapons” ban, announcing that it will begin taking affidavits October 1st from firearm owners seeking to lawfully continue to own one of these now-banned firearms.This comes as the ban continues to be the subject of lawsuits making their way through the federal court system. Also beginning in October, those seeking help with their utility bills can apply for financial assistance through the LIHEAP program. And, fire departments facing financial hardships can begin applying for a state grant to help purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment. |
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| Controversial Firearms Ban Requires Owners to Submit Affidavit by January 1st Recently, the Illinois State Police released rules to implement part of the state’s new firearms ban law. While the new law bans a variety of so-called “assault” rifles, it allows owners of those firearms to lawfully keep possession as long as they submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card account before January 1, 2024, affirming they owned the firearm(s) prior to January 10, 2023—the date in which the law took effect. Under the controversial law, which continues to be the subject of lawsuits making their way through the federal court system, affidavits must include the applicant’s FOID card number and the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each firearm. The Illinois State Police says it will begin accepting affidavits online starting October 1st, and they must be submitted online through a FOID Card account, which can be accessed through ISP’s Firearms Services Bureau website or by going directly to www.ispfsb.com/Public/Login.aspx. Plummer supports the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners, which is why he voted against the ban. He notes that the law is likely a violation of the United States Constitution. Plummer has also filed legislation to help gun owners impacted by court rulings on the ban. |
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| Application Period for Energy Bill Assistance to Open in October Low-income Illinois families can soon begin to apply to receive financial assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The application period begins Monday, October 2, 2023, under a tiered system, allowing priority groups the first chance to receive available funds, including seniors (age 60 and older), disabled and families with children under the age of 6 years old. Then, on November 1, 2023, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying on December 1, 2023. The amount of support families can receive varies based on the needs of the applicants, but last year over 311,000 households received an average of over $1,000. The eligible income thresholds can be found on the Help Illinois Families website. Families can also call the hotline at 1-833-711-0374 if they think they might be eligible for the program. | |
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| Small Equipment Grants Open for Local Fire Departments The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program is now open to eligible fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments, and not-for-profit ambulance services. In an effort to address the financial hardships many fire departments face, the Small Equipment Grant Program provides grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. Under the program, $4 million is available and qualified departments must apply by December 15, 2023. Click here to learn more about the program and how to apply. |