New Law Cracks Down On Lost Guns

Gun owners who sell, lose, destroy, transfer or have a firearm stolen in the county are now legally required to report it to the Sheriff’s office within 48 hours thanks to a new Cook County ordinance.

The new law, passed Tuesday afternoon, will require firearm owners report the make, model and serial number of the stolen firearm, along with the date and location of purchase.  

Individuals who fail to comply will be subject to an initial $1,000 fine, followed by $1,500 for each gun on the second offense and $2,000 for each subsequent violation, according to a press release from the county.

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle applauded the passage of the ordinance. She says it’s a step in the right direction.

“We are giving law enforcement the additional tools they need to reduce the number of guns purchased legally that are used in shootings,” Preckwinkle said in a press release. “This is part of a comprehensive effort to stop the violence plaguing our neighborhoods.”

The ordinance goes into effect in August 2013.