IL HR1043

Recognizes gun violence as a public health epidemic in the United States, with 110 people killed daily and 45,222 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of death for children under 19.

Documents that gun violence costs Illinois $18.6 billion annually ($625.5 million paid by taxpayers) and disproportionately affects Black communities, where young Black men are 20 times more likely to be killed by guns than young white men.

Calls on the General Assembly to provide consistent state appropriations for victim services and comprehensive support systems including medical care, mental health treatment, affordable housing, job programs, trauma centers, and community health workers.

Directs the General Assembly to address gun violence through an equity-focused comprehensive approach that includes communications, education, treatment and counseling, trauma centers, family resource centers, and wrap-around services.

Expresses support for continued appropriations to stem violence incidents in Illinois, including funding for medical and mental health services, trauma-informed care, economic investments for victims and their families, and resources outreach.