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Illinois Passes Karina’s Law to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors
March 7, 2025
CHICAGO – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed Karina’s Law, a new measure aimed at preventing gun-related domestic violence deaths by requiring law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals subject to restraining orders.
The law, which takes effect in May 2025, establishes clear protocols for removing guns from those deemed a threat under the state’s firearm licensing system.
The legislation is named after Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter, Daniela, who were fatally shot in July 2023 by Gonzalez’s estranged husband in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Despite obtaining an order of protection, Gonzalez’s abuser retained access to firearms, leading to the tragic event that spurred calls for legislative action.
Under Karina’s Law, law enforcement agencies must seize firearms from individuals whose Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) cards have been revoked due to domestic violence restraining orders.
Additionally, judges will have the authority to issue search warrants to enforce the removal of firearms in these cases, addressing previous gaps in enforcement.
Advocacy groups such as The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence played a key role in pushing for the law, citing a 63% increase in firearm-related domestic violence deaths in Illinois between 2019 and 2023.
Supporters argue the legislation will provide much-needed security for survivors and prevent further tragedies.
The bill received bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect victims.
Governor Pritzker hailed the law as a crucial step toward ensuring domestic violence survivors are not placed at further risk, stating, “Karina’s Law will protect survivors and ensure that dangerous individuals cannot access firearms.”
Opponents of the legislation, including some gun rights advocates, have raised concerns about potential violations of due process.
However, legal experts assert that the law aligns with constitutional protections and balances individual rights with public safety.
Karina’s Law is set to take effect 90 days after its signing. Law enforcement agencies and the judicial system are now preparing for its implementation, ensuring that proper procedures are in place to enforce the firearm seizure provisions effectively.
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