HB1790 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to create a new nonrefundable income tax credit for taxpayers who purchase firearm safety devices from federally licensed dealers. The credit applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026 and before January 1, 2031, and is equal to the taxpayer’s cost for the device, up to $300 per taxpayer per year. A taxpayer may claim only one credit per year, and the Department of Revenue would administer the program and adopt implementing rules.
The bill defines eligible purchases and covered devices broadly, including safes, gun safes, gun cases, lock boxes, and similar storage devices designed to be secured by a key, combination, or comparable mechanism. The total statewide amount of credits would be capped at $5 million per taxable year, with credits awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Any unused credit may be carried forward for up to five years, but the credit cannot reduce tax liability below zero.
Impact
If enacted, HB1790 would add a new Section 246 to the Illinois Income Tax Act and create a targeted tax incentive for firearm storage and safety equipment purchases. It would affect individual taxpayers who buy qualifying firearm safety devices, while also imposing administrative duties on the Illinois Department of Revenue to process claims, allocate the annual cap, and issue rules. The bill would not change firearm possession laws directly, but it would use the tax code to encourage safer firearm storage practices.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears supportive and policy-driven, with the bill framed as a public-safety measure rather than a regulatory restriction. The sponsor’s caption and structure suggest an emphasis on encouraging responsible firearm storage through a financial incentive. No recorded opposition, amendments, or divided vote is available in the provided context.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be fiscal and policy-based: the annual $5 million cap reduces but does not eliminate the revenue impact, and some may question whether a tax credit is the best way to promote firearm safety compared with direct regulation or education. Another possible issue is the first-come, first-served allocation method, which could favor taxpayers who file earlier and may leave later filers without access to the credit once the cap is reached. No specific objections or supporters are documented in the provided committee or voting history.