A Personal Message from Senator DeWitte
As many of you are aware, I am a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and the rights it guarantees to responsible, law-abiding gun owners. Protecting these rights remains one of my highest priorities in the Illinois Senate.
At the same time, I am deeply committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens. As part of this dedication, I have focused on empowering law enforcement and tackling the pervasive issue of domestic violence to promote safer communities for everyone.
Recently, this issue has come to the forefront, with reports that deaths from domestic violence in Illinois have doubled in the past year, with a majority of those deaths attributed to gun violence. While I believe that much of this alarming trend stems from recent so-called criminal justice reforms pushed by soft-on-crime politicians, I also acknowledge the need to address other aspects of this issue thoughtfully.
There has been significant public discussion surrounding “Karina’s Law,” which was initially proposed to address specific cases involving domestic violence and firearms. The goal of the legislation is to allow for temporary action in extreme situations where following the issuance of a protective order, a judge determines there is a credible, immediate threat of violence against a domestic partner.
The final version of the bill that passed, legislation that I supported along with a number of my Republican colleagues, was not perfect, but I worked to ensure that it protected due process while safeguarding the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
For example:
- Strong judicial oversight: No firearms may be removed unless a judge finds that there is an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death, and the decision rests solely at the judge’s discretion.
- Temporary measures: Any removal of firearms is temporary, and individuals retain the ability to recover their firearms.
- Family firearm transfer option: Firearms can be transferred to a relative, provided they do not live at the same address, ensuring that the firearms are not permanently seized.
- Risk of perjury for knowingly false statements: Anyone found to have made false statements to the court when petitioning for temporary removal of firearms, can be charged with perjury.
It is important to understand that this legislation does not allow for automatic seizure of a firearm simply because a “red flag” protection order has been issued. Instead, it seeks to address only the most urgent situations where lives may be in immediate danger.
I will certainly monitor the implementation of this law closely and I will be prepared to file legislation to address any unintended consequences or potential overreach.
As a strong defender of the Second Amendment, I remain committed to protecting your rights while advancing policies that keep our communities safe.
DeWitte Joins Bipartisan Coalition to End Discriminatory Driving Test Requirement
Last Tuesday, I joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on to introduce a new bill that eliminates the automatic driving test rule for drivers when they reach the age of 79. The bill was filed as Senate Bill 91.
The initial version of this legislation, House Bill 4431 in the 103rd General Assembly, had over 50 bipartisan sponsors, and when it stalled for political reasons in the House, I refiled it in the Senate as Senate Bill 1217, where it also had bipartisan support. For unknown reasons, that bill was also blocked from consideration last year. Now I am proud to serve as the leading Republican on a new bill that takes steps to remedy the issue.
A 2023 study by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) revealed that in 2023 the crash rate for drivers 70 and older is 24.61 per 1,000 drivers, which is lower than every age range of drivers between 16 and 74 years old.
SB 91 increases the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel test from age 79 to age 87. The legislation also includes a provision that allows immediate family members to register a concern over loved ones who they believe should not be driving. It already has bipartisan sponsorship.
The provisions of SB 91 would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states. Under the newly-filed bill:
- Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers aged 87 and older would continue to be required to renew their licenses annually. These renewals would include a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. A written driving test may also be required depending on the individual’s driving record.
The bill should be assigned to a committee when lawmakers return to Springfield at the end of the month.
Still Time to Participate in Senator DeWitte’s Valentines for Seniors
My 5th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive is underway in the 33rd District and cards are beginning to arrive at my offices. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district offices in West Dundee and St. Charles between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off or mailed to:
West Dundee Office
641 S. 8th St.
West Dundee, IL 60118
St. Charles Office
406 Surrey Woods Drive , Suite A
St. Charles, IL 60174.
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Senator DeWitte: Out and About in the 33rd District
Last week I attended several events across the 33rd District. I really enjoy going out into the communities I represent and meeting with constituents and elected officials. In the photo above, I am shown with a large group of dedicated public officials at the DuPage County annual legislative breakfast.
In the photos below, I am shown at the DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference with local elected officials, and on the right I’m at the Chicago City Club for a presentation about the future of public transit in Illinois by Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Chairman Kirk Dillard.
