HILLSDALE, Ill. - To make sure that area residents have uninterrupted and accessible assistance in light of the Illinois State Police's decision to eliminate paper applications for concealed carry permits, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is offering free assistance to local residents looking who want one-on-one help completing online applications for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card .
"Area residents may not own a computer or have the technological confidence to fill out the concealed carry permit online application," Smiddy said. "Law-abiding citizens should not be denied their constitutional rights over a bureaucratic decision to move toward paperless applications."
The Illinois State Police will stop accepting paper applications for FOID cards and concealed carry permit application; moving instead to an online process on March 16. Smiddy keeps his office open and accessible to help residents with any issues they have with state programs or services. Smiddy wants area residents to know that getting access to the internet or one-on-one help in applying online for a concealed carry permit is just one more way that his office can help. Residents can call Smiddy's office and make an appointment on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located at 201 N. Main St. Unit 2 in Port Byron. In order to apply, residents will need to bring with them their Illinois Driver's License or Identification card.
"I believe that a person's access to technology should not hurt their Second Amendment rights, and my staff will be available to assist anyone interested in applying for either a FOID card or a conceal carry permit," Smiddy said. "I encourage residents with questions about the change to electronic applications to contact my office for additional information."
For questions or to schedule an appointment or a complete list of the items required for applying for a FOID card or concealed carry permit, please call Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
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