SPRINGFIELD--Following a battle between the attorney general and the state police, the Senate sent a measure to Gov. Pat Quinn today that would keep the names of people with gun permits private.The names and addresses of Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification cardholders would be exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests under the bill, that passed the Senate 42-1. The House approved the measure last month.
Sponsoring Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, said it is a "law enforcement nightmare" to release the names of FOID cardholders to the public.
"We should not give burglars a systematic roadmap to rob our homes and farms," Dillard said. "From a constitutional standpoint, a privacy standpoint, and a law enforcement standpoint, it is a terrible idea to release the names of about 4 million residents."
The controversy began in September when the state police denied a Freedom of Information Act request from The Associated Press for the names of all the state's FOID cardholders. In March, Attorney General Lisa Madigan's public access counselor rejected the state police's arguments for keeping the records private.
The attorney general's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Quinn spokeswoman Annie Thompson said the governor will decide whether to sign or veto the measure once he examines it.
"Gov. Quinn has been a long-time advocate of openness and transparency in all levels of government, but he doesn't want to compromise public safety," Thompson said.