Tough gun control law comes into force in Illinois

Illinois has joined 17 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring background checks for private gun sales. The law, signed by Governor Pat Quinn to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, requires private sellers to conduct sales transactions, either online or in-person, through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency to ensure a proper background check is conducted before the sale. Illinois also joins seven other states and the District of Columbia in requiring gun owners to alert law enforcement within 72 hours of their guns being lost or stolen. That requirement takes effect immediately.