South Cook News

Patricia Bonk, a candidate for House District 30, has expressed her concerns over the constitutionality of a law that could potentially lead to the revocation of licenses for individuals whose firearm identification card has been revoked. Her comments were made in response to State Senator Julie Morrison's introduction of Senate Bill 2720, legislation that has sparked debates among firearm advocates and raised questions about the balance between gun rights and driving privileges in Illinois.

“Regarding ‘red flag’ law—this would be a violation of the 5th amendment (due process),” Bonk said on Facebook. “This should be considered unconstitutional as it is written.”

Senate Bill 2720 primarily targets individuals who fail to comply with section 9.5 of the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card requirements after their FOID cards have been revoked. The bill stipulates that the Secretary of State may not issue or allow the renewal or retention of a driver's license or permit by anyone possessing a revoked FOID Card unless they either successfully reinstate their FOID Card or surrender it to the Illinois State Police. The bill also mandates that the Illinois State Police notify the Secretary about any individual who fails to surrender a revoked FOID Card, according to the bill's synopsis.

Doug Mayhall, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), shared Bonk's concerns about the potential implications of this bill. In a video statement, Mayhall pointed out that individuals failing to surrender their revoked FOID cards could face restrictions on their ability to obtain, renew, or retain a driver’s license under the Illinois Vehicle Code. While acknowledging that compliance with section 9.5 and surrendering the revoked FOID card can avoid such consequences, Mayhall raised concerns about ex parte cases being filed against individuals without their presence or knowledge which could lead to loss of their FOID card without a hearing for at least two weeks.

Mayhall expressed his concern over situations where individuals comply with section 9.5 but face delays in updating the Illinois State Police database.

“After Governor Pritzker was left extremely embarrassed when less than 2% of the 2.4 million FOID card holders registered their firearms by the January 1st deadline, he’s now looking for new ways to target and harass gun owners,” Mayhall said.  And this time they want to go after your driver’s license and possibly your livelihood.”

“After all, if you can’t drive. How are you going to get to work? Gee. Rest assured, the ISRA will not rest until our right to bear arms is restored in Illinois. And we will continue our fight and oppose legislation like Senate Bill 2720 and so many other bills like that,” Mayhall added.

Bonk, who currently serves as a Trustee on the Midlothian Library Board and actively participates in the Midlothian policing committee, is also a cancer survivor and Team Leader for the South Suburban Cancer Walk. She has worked as an emergency responder and firefighter for the Villages of Lemont and Northwest Homer, according to her website. She hopes to succeed State Rep. Will Davis in representing Illinois’ House District 30.