Illinois State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer spoke at the Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) in Springfield on Apr. 16, addressing fellow gun owners and advocates of the Second Amendment.
The event brought together supporters concerned about recent legislative proposals affecting gun ownership rights in Illinois. Davidsmeyer said he was honored to join others in defense of constitutional rights, thanking the Illinois State Rifle Association and other advocates for their support.
Davidsmeyer discussed his role on the House Gun Violence Prevention Committee, which he referred to as the “Gun Grabber Committee.” He said that Republican members are working to protect law-abiding gun owners’ rights. Among the bills he mentioned were HB 3320 (RIFL Act), HB 4414 (Ammo Tax & Serialization), HB 4471 (Glock ban), and SB 8 (Safe Gun Storage Act). He raised concerns that measures like the RIFL Act could add significant costs to firearm purchases, potentially preventing lower-income individuals from exercising their Second Amendment rights. During a recent hearing, Davidsmeyer quoted a proponent who said, “I think poor people don’t benefit from owning firearms.”
He also criticized HB 4414 for imposing taxes and serialization requirements on handgun ammunition, arguing it would criminalize many current gun owners and create privacy concerns through new registration mandates. Regarding HB 4471, which targets Glock pistols, Davidsmeyer said existing laws already prohibit illegal modifications such as Glock switches.
Discussing SB 8—the Safe Gun Storage Act—Davidsmeyer explained that it requires locked storage of firearms around minors or certain individuals but creates legal uncertainty for hunters and shooting clubs due to conflicting provisions. In response to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s statement that “Illinois has been one of the most aggressive states in the nation in combatting the epidemic of gun violence that has plagued our communities for far too long,” Davidsmeyer outlined criticisms of state policies regarding public safety.
Davidsmeyer’s background includes being elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 100th House District in 2012 after replacing Jim Watson according to available records.
