Share and Follow
The financial toll of gun violence extends far beyond the immediate anguish experienced by families, as they often find themselves burdened with hefty hospital and funeral expenses.
In an effort to address this issue, a movement is gaining momentum to hold gun manufacturers financially responsible.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
On Wednesday, advocates for gun violence prevention, along with supporters, gathered at St. Sabina Church to promote a groundbreaking law. This proposed legislation aims to make gun manufacturers liable for the expenses and trauma resulting from the use of their firearms.
“Perhaps I wouldn’t find myself in this situation if I hadn’t been shot,” remarked Jason Little, a survivor of gun violence.
Little’s personal experience with the consequences of gun violence is profound. He suffered partial paralysis and faced the daunting challenge of relearning how to walk after being shot several years ago.
“Think about if we had this act how many people wouldn’t of got shot,” Little said.
The Chicago man joined state lawmakers, trauma doctors, faith leaders and others at the church and rallied for passage of the Responsibility In Firearm Legislation Act.
“The reality and effect of firearms in our state not only creates injury and death, but puts a mental and emotional cost that could never be measured,” said Father Michael Pfleger, with St. Sabina Catholic Church.
The RIFL Act would require firearm manufacturers to be licensed in Illinois and make them pay fees based on gun violence costs in the state.
SEE ALSO: Chicago battling safety perception despite preliminary police data showing 60-year low for homicides
Dr. Anthony Douglas’ experience as a trauma surgeon served as a policy framework for the legislation.
“I got exhausted with calling time of death on people that look like me,” said Douglas, a University of Chicago Medicine surgical resident.
Advocates estimate firearm injuries cost Illinois taxpayers and survivors almost $20 billion a year in law enforcement response and recovery expenses.
“They’re making profit on pain, and we want to make sure that we hold them accountable. Take those fees and fund the things that prevent violence and keep community safe,” Democratic 13th District state Sen. Robert Peters said.
The collected funds would be available for people and their families who have been hurt by guns to cover costs such as medical bills, lost wages and funerals.
“The phones keep ringing. Families are calling us not knowing how they’re going to bury their children,” said Pam Bosley, with Purpose Over Pain.
Gun rights advocates who oppose the effort say the measure is unconstitutional and unfairly forces manufacturers to take responsibilities for crimes.
The bill is making its way through the state legislature.
Supporters say the passage of the RIFL Act could have major national implications for gun manufacturers.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
