History of the Illinois Firearms Association
Prior to our founding, there was very little state-level presence on the ground working to defend and expand the Second Amendment in Illinois. Gun owners knew that J.B. Pritzker hated them, but what happened in Springfield was rarely conveyed to gun owners in time to put pressure on the politicians. And no one dared mention the names of Republicans who betrayed gun owners.
The Illinois Firearms Association (ILFA) changed that. Our cutting-edge video, digital, and text-based mobilization programs get the word out to hundreds of thousands of gun owners moments after a bill is filed—not months later. And our election program goes on the offensive, exposing vulnerable Democrats at election time!
2023: ILFA is Founded Late in the Year After Pritzker Bans ‘Assault Weapons’
Governor J.B. Pritzker bans the purchase of AR-15s during the legislative session. The Illinois Firearms Association (ILFA) is founded in the fall.
2024: ILFA Fights in the 7th Circuit and in Springfield
ILFA lawyers file an Amicus Brief challenging Pritzker’s ‘assault weapons ban’ in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. The case is Barnett v. Raoul. ILFA successfully opposes HB-3239, which would have all but ended concealed carry in Illinois.
2025: ILFA Members Defeat All but One Gun Control Bill in Springfield
ILFA successfully opposes HB-43, which would begin the process of mandating a civil liability insurance requirement for gun owners. ILFA also successfully opposes HB-1177, which would have imposed a massive tax hike on the sale of firearms and ammunition. ILFA fought all session to block SB-8, but it passed on the last day of session.