IL gun violence prevention advocates protest at Chicago church to push for Responsibility In Firearm Legislation, or RIFL, Act
The cost of gun violence goes beyond the pain families face: They are often left paying the price for hospital bills and funerals.
Now, there's a push to hold gun manufacturers accountable.
Gun violence prevention advocates and others joined forces Wednesday at St. Sabina Church to push for a one-of-a-kind law that would make gun manufacturers pay for the cost of the violence and trauma caused by their weapons.
"Maybe I wouldn't be in this situation of being able to be shot," gun violence survivor Jason Little said.
Little knows all to well the true cost of surviving gun violence. He was partially paralyzed, and had to learn to walk again after being shot years ago.
"Think about if we had this act how many people wouldn't of got shot," Little said.
The Chicago man joined state lawmakers, trauma doctors, faith leaders and others at the church and rallied for passage of the Responsibility In Firearm Legislation Act.
"The reality and effect of firearms in our state not only creates injury and death, but puts a mental and emotional cost that could never be measured," said Father Michael Pfleger, with St. Sabina Catholic Church.
The RIFL Act would require firearm manufacturers to be licensed in Illinois and make them pay fees based on gun violence costs in the state.
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Dr. Anthony Douglas' experience as a trauma surgeon served as a policy framework for the legislation.
"I got exhausted with calling time of death on people that look like me," said Douglas, a University of Chicago Medicine surgical resident.
Advocates estimate firearm injuries cost Illinois taxpayers and survivors almost $20 billion a year in law enforcement response and recovery expenses.
"They're making profit on pain, and we want to make sure that we hold them accountable. Take those fees and fund the things that prevent violence and keep community safe," Democratic 13th District state Sen. Robert Peters said.
The collected funds would be available for people and their families who have been hurt by guns to cover costs such as medical bills, lost wages and funerals.
"The phones keep ringing. Families are calling us not knowing how they're going to bury their children," said Pam Bosley, with Purpose Over Pain.
Gun rights advocates who oppose the effort say the measure is unconstitutional and unfairly forces manufacturers to take responsibilities for crimes.
The bill is making its way through the state legislature.
Supporters say the passage of the RIFL Act could have major national implications for gun manufacturers.
