McLean County Times

Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) posted a video on his Facebook page urging the governor to work with him on a bill to prohibit criminals from owning guns.

“So, Governor Pritzker, you really want to work on preventing violence?  Let’s get together in the general assembly. Let’s do what the system is designed to do. I have 4190 and 4191 sitting on the books. Let’s call  those bills. Let's have that discussion,” he said.

Caulkins issued the video outlining his plan to combat gun violence as a response to Pritzker's executive order declaring gun violence a public health crisis and establishing the Office of Firearm Violence  Prevention.

Caulkins has submitted House Bill 4190, which would necessitate that if there is a plea agreement in a criminal case involving illegal use or possession of a firearm, the state's attorney must explain why the charge was reduced  and that explanation must also be available to the public.

“For those who are found guilty of the original charge or a lesser charge, the judge shall set forth in a written sentencing order his or her reasons for imposing the sentence or accepting the plea agreement," according to the Illinois General Assembly.

The proposed law will also enhance the penalties for these crimes, especially for juveniles, along with establishing a fund of $100 million for grants to local  governments to hire law enforcement officers, provide officers with mental health support, and help with retention, overtime pay, equipment  and training.

Caulkins said that the measure is proposed to support law enforcement.

“We have introduced bills that enhance penalties for crimes that are committed with a gun," Caulkins said. "We have introduced bills that enhanced penalties for felons caught with a gun. Gun violence has a lot to do with the lack of respect that these criminals have for law enforcement.”