SB1255 Summary: Unsafe Handgun Act

• Establishes safety standards for handguns sold in Illinois, effective January 1, 2015, requiring drop safety testing, firing reliability tests (600 rounds with maximum 6 malfunctions), and specific safety mechanisms.

• Mandates all handguns be tested by state-certified independent laboratories and listed on a Department of State Police roster; semiautomatic pistols must have chamber load indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms.

• Prohibits manufacture, import, sale, or lending of unsafe handguns starting January 1, 2015, with penalties ranging from petty offense for first violation to Class 4 felony for third or subsequent violations.

• Exempts prototype testing, law enforcement sales, curio/relics, Olympic target shooting pistols, single-action revolvers over 7.5 inches, single-shot pistols, and motion picture props.

• Allows Department to retest up to 5% of roster handguns annually and remove models that fail; manufacturers can petition for reinstatement by paying testing costs and passing retest requirements.