SR0352 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0352 LRB098 12357 RLC 46676 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 2012 the City of Chicago experienced over 500 homicides, 87% of which were gun related; and

WHEREAS, Recent news articles have highlighted that many of those prosecuted for firearms offenses in the City of Chicago and Cook County are receiving minimal or inconsistent punishment under Illinois law; and

WHEREAS, Under federal law a convicted felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition is eligible for a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison; and

WHEREAS, Increasing the number of federal prosecutions for firearms offenses will help keep violent and repeat offenders off the street longer; and

WHEREAS, Increasing the number of federal prosecutions for firearms offenses will free up local criminal justice resources for other criminal prosecutions; and

WHEREAS, Increasing the number of federal prosecutions for firearms offenses is an effective way to fight violence in the community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that a comprehensive State and federal approach is necessary to curb firearms violence and ensure that our communities are safe from increasing gang violence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the President of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, the Mayor of Chicago, the Chicago Police Superintendent, the Cook County Sheriff, and the Cook County State's Attorney to work together so that all firearms offenses that are eligible for federal prosecution be referred to the federal government for prosecution under existing federal law.