Rep. Ford Bill Will Protect Illinoisans From Mass Shootings

CHICAGO, Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To deter and prevent mass shootings and violence, Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, has filed new legislation that will provide a safer environment in many of the state's public places.  

Ford announced the "Safe Spaces in Public Places Act" (House Bill 5970) at a news conference.  Ford, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and chairman of the Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee, said his legislation is a result of recommendations from the Legislative Public Safety Group in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Ford also said the bill to provide metal detectors is not mandatory and he will work with doctors, mental health experts and other interested parties to craft final legislation.

"We should come together and consider experts' findings and recommendations to deter preventable, mass public shootings – including metal detector screening programs, mental health services, school infrastructure improvements, emergency preparedness and community relations," Ford said. "Metal detectors help to prevent shootings inside the terminals at O'Hare Airport and people feel safer as a result of this defense against attacks."

The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act passed this year included legislation known as the STOP School Violence Act. The new law authorized nearly $1 billion for school safety matching grant programs through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) through 2028.

Besides the recent Florida shooting that killed 17 people, college shootings are common. On Valentine's Day 2008, Steven Kazmierczak opened fire with a shotgun and three pistols in a crowd of students at Northern Illinois University, killing five students, and injuring 17 people before fatally shooting himself.

Even the threat of a mass shooting can lead to anxiety and mood disorders in youth, said Dr. James MacKenzie, a Chicago child psychiatrist and former president of the Illinois Psychiatric Society, the state's largest psychiatric group.

"By reducing the possibility of violence, we are actually protecting our children, college students and all young people in public places," MacKenzie said. "This legislation is a simple precaution that will make youth feel safer, making it easier for them to learn and not feel anxiety."

If the bill becomes law, the demand for metal detectors will create jobs in Illinois because there are several Illinois companies that make metal detectors, including Yates Enterprises of Chicago and Minooka-based Metal Defender, Ford said.

Contact: Illinois State Rep. La Shawn Ford, (217) 782-5962

SOURCE Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford