Injunction denied as FOID backlog doubles in 18 months

From THE CENTER SQUARE

The persistent delays in issuing Firearm Owner’s Identification cards in Illinois that has doubled in the last year and a half continues after a federal judge shot down a motion this week seeking to force the state to issue backlogged cards.

Illinoisans who want to legally buy or own firearms and ammunition must have a FOID card issued by Illinois State Police. Penalties for not having one when owning a firearm depend on the circumstances, but can range from a misdemeanor to a felony charge with up to three years in prison.

It’s approaching two years of reports of backlogs in FOID card applications. Some people have been waiting for months, if not more than a year. Back in January 2020, Illinois State Police posted an update on the agency’s Facebook page that said it has about “62,000 FOID applications under review which includes new, renewals and changes.

The backlog problem has more than doubled since, compounded by increased applications during the pandemic, increased urban crime and civil unrest over the past 18 months.