HB4901 Summary

• Amends Section 24-2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 to modify exemptions from weapons restrictions for various categories of authorized individuals and organizations.

• Adds exemption for persons possessing rifles with barrels less than 16 inches in length if they hold a federal Curios and Relics license or are active members of bona fide military re-enacting groups with valid membership credentials and overall weapon length of at least 26 inches.

• Expands exemptions to include parole agents and supervisors, peace officers on tactical response teams using silencers, and Olympic/Paralympic athletes possessing competition firearms sanctioned by international sporting organizations for 2016 Games participation.

• Clarifies that defendants bear the burden of proving they qualify for exemptions from weapons violations, and exemptions do not need to be negated in indictments or informations.

• Permits transportation of unloaded firearms in cases or containers by holders of valid Firearm Owners Identification Cards and allows common carriers to transport firearms in the course of lawful business.