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1
SENATE RESOLUTION



2 WHEREAS, In 2012 the City of Chicago experienced over 500 
3homicides, 87% of which were gun related; and


4 WHEREAS, Recent news articles have highlighted that many of 
5those prosecuted for firearms offenses in the City of Chicago 
6and Cook County are receiving minimal or inconsistent 
7punishment under Illinois law; and


8 WHEREAS, Under federal law a convicted felon in possession 
9of a firearm or ammunition is eligible for a sentence of up to 
1010 years in federal prison; and



11 WHEREAS, Increasing the number of federal prosecutions for 
12firearms offenses will help keep violent and repeat offenders 
13off the street longer; and

14 WHEREAS, Increasing the number of federal prosecutions for 
15firearms offenses will free up local criminal justice resources 
16for other criminal prosecutions; and

17 WHEREAS, Increasing the number of federal prosecutions for 
18firearms offenses is an effective way to fight violence in the 
19community; therefore, be it

 
 
SR0352- 2 -LRB098 12357 RLC 46676 r


1 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL 
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that a comprehensive State 
3and federal approach is necessary to curb firearms violence and 
4ensure that our communities are safe from increasing gang 
5violence; and be it further


6 RESOLVED, That we urge the President of the United States, 
7the Attorney General of the United States, the Mayor of 
8Chicago, the Chicago Police Superintendent, the Cook County 
9Sheriff, and the Cook County State's Attorney to work together 
10so that all firearms offenses that are eligible for federal 
11prosecution be referred to the federal government for 
12prosecution under existing federal law.