Gov. Blagojevich signs law linked to Virginia Tech shootings

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich approved legislation Friday aimed at preventing the sale of guns to individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Crafted in the wake of April's deadly shootings at Virginia Tech University, the measure will require the state to contribute information to a federal gun database. Further, it would expand the list of people prohibited from buying a firearm to include mental outpatients judged to be a threat to themselves or others. &#8220The lessons we learned as a nation from the Virginia Tech tragedy are still very fresh in our minds,” Blagojevich said in a statement. &#8220We must do what we can to prevent future tragedies and make sure guns are kept out of the hands of individuals who could pose a threat to the public.” The measure was approved by wide margins in both the House and the Senate. State Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley, voted in favor of the legislation. State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, did not cast a vote when the measure was approved in the Senate, according to the roll call vote. Currently, the state police firearm database includes only patients who have received in-patient mental health treatment. In participating in the gun database, the state would contribute the names of those rejected from purchasing a firearm in Illinois, but not the reason for the denial. Supporters say the measure strikes a balance between public safety and individual privacy rights because gun dealers won't get details of why a person is being rejected for a gun license. The law, which goes into effect in June 2008, also is designed to ensure that mental health records are routinely updated. Hospitals and mental health facilities will now be required to report information within seven days as opposed to the previous 30-day requirement. The legislation is Senate Bill 940. Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.