Responsibility in Firearms Legislation (RIFL) Act

Making the Firearm Industry Pay Its Fair Share

Every year, tens of thousands of Americans are shot. The direct costs of firearm injury — hospital bills, emergency response, rehabilitation, lost wages, and lifelong trauma — are borne not by the industry profiting from these weapons, but by the injured, their families, and taxpayers. The Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act would change that in the state of Illinois.

This landmark legislation would establish a no-fault injury restitution fund—financed entirely by firearm manufacturers—to cover the costs of medical care, recovery, and long-term support for victims of gun violence.

How It Works

Licensing for Manufacturers
Starting January 1, 2028, every firearm manufacturer operating in Illinois would need a state license. The total fees collected would match the public health costs of firearm injuries and deaths. Manufacturers who operate without a license could face penalties of up to $1,000,000 per month.

Retailer Responsibility
Retailers would be prohibited from selling firearms made by unlicensed manufacturers, facing fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

The RIFL Fund
All license fees would go into a new RIFL Fund in the state treasury, dedicated to addressing the harm caused by gun violence and funding financial assistance for victims. A designated program administrator would manage the fund and distribute support—exempt from certain state taxes—to victims and families.

Oversight and Enforcement
The Illinois State Police would share firearm data to support enforcement, the Attorney General would ensure compliance, and the Department could issue additional civil penalties or adopt rules as needed.

Why It Matters

Every year, thousands of Illinois residents are directly impacted by gun violence—through injury, loss, or trauma. Until now, the financial burden of this crisis has fallen almost entirely on victims, families, hospitals, and taxpayers.

The RIFL Act would change that by creating a clear line of financial accountability between the industry that profits from firearms and the people who bear the costs of their harm.

By linking manufacturer fees to real public health costs, Illinois would set a national precedent: if you profit from firearms, you should pay for the damage they cause.