Pritzker signs ‘Katrina's Law', requiring cops to take guns in domestic violence cases

Yahoo

10-02-2025

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) – Gov. JB Pritzker, on Monday, singed House Bill 4144, also known as Karina's Law, which requires local police agencies to confiscate firearms from anyone whose Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card has been revoked because they have a restraining order against them.
The law is aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence. It is named for Karina Gonzalez, a mother who was granted an order of protection against her husband, Jose Alvarez, weeks before he fatally shot both her and their teenage daughter, Daniela, in July 2023.
Alvarez also shot their son, Manny, who survived and lobbied for the General Assembly to pass the law in his mother's name.
'Protecting victims of domestic violence is a cause that's taking a giant leap forward today,' Pritzker said. 'Karina's law will protect survivors of domestic violence and give them the comfort of knowing their abuser will not have easy access to firearms. We owe it to Karina and Daniela — to Manny — and to all the victims and their families, to continue building all the support and protection that we can.'
The law requires police remove firearms from any whose FOID is revoked within 96 hours of a judge issuing a search warrant, addressing the risks associated with firearms and domestic violence situations.
'Karina's law is a pivotal victory in the fight to protect Illinois' people from gun-related domestic violence. Above all, this bill is a testament to the voices of survivors and advocates who led their leaders toward new solutions,' said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. 'Karina and Daniela had dreams and aspirations beyond the violence in their home — their lives mattered, and they should be alive today. I thank every advocate and survivor for baring their hearts to inspire change.'
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