March 19, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – March 19, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Spring 2026 Legislative Session
The Spring 2026 Legislative session is starting to stir. Before we get started into specifics, let’s think about what’s going on in the Illinois General Assembly. Right now, ISRA lobbyists are watching 350 gun bills. Yep, that’s what I said, 350. Some good, but most are bad. I get calls, emails, and get into conversations each week telling them these bills make no sense. Of course they don’t. Right now, the Illinois General Assembly is packed with ideologues who just want to destroy the Second Amendment in Illinois. I have long thought there is a sign somewhere in the hallowed halls of the General Assembly telling legislators to check their common sense at the door. They can pick their common sense up when their term is over.
I am also often told that a bill is unconstitutional. As I often say, whether a bill is unconstitutional or not has little to do with many legislators’ actions. Some don’t understand the Constitution, some don’t like the Constitution, and some think they were elected as God, so what they say goes. It’s because of people like these that the Founding Fathers carefully constructed the Constitution of the United States.
When a bill is proposed, the first stop is the Rules Committee in the House or the Assignments Committee in the Senate. From the Rules Committee or Assignments Committee, bills are sent to various committees for hearing but sometimes they just get stuck in Rules or Assignments and never go anywhere. As you might guess, some of the ones that never go anywhere are pro-gun bills.
When a bill is assigned to a committee, that does not mean the bill will be heard as soon as it is assigned. It could be the next time, three weeks from now, or never. The ISRA lobbying team will let members know when a bill is actually going to be heard.
There are two types of hearings. The first is a subject matter hearing. What that means is the committee will be hearing testimony on a particular bill, but no action will be taken. Today, Thursday, March 19th, there is a subject matter hearing in the Gun Violence Prevention Committee. The bills Include:
HB 5320 – Requires schools to teach the risks of firearm ownership and safe firearm storage. It requires any FFL to provide information on the risk of firearm ownership.
HB4471 – Responsible Firearm Manufacture Act otherwise known as the GLOCK act
HB3507 – Restricts the carrying of a firearm for conceal carry holders in certain areas of the Cook County Forest preserve.
Just because a hearing is scheduled doesn’t mean it will happen. Regular hearings listen to testimony and move bills to the floor of the House or Senate. It is at that time witness slips become very important. Sometimes bills may go back to the committee for amendments. This usually happens later in the session. Some committees will send bills to a subcommittee. Most of time a bill in a subcommittee dies there.
This is just a snapshot of committees and their functions.
With committee hearings coming up, filling out witness slips is a very important part of that bill. Witness slips stay with the bill history forever. At this time, it would be a good idea to go to the ILGA website and look up how to fill out a witness slip. When we call for witness slips you must be ready. Committees sometimes only give us a one-hour notice before the hearing. You may only have a few minutes to fill out a witness slip or call your legislative office. One-hour notices mostly happen later in the session.
ILGA has a new website so what you did in the past may not work. The ISRA will not send out a call for witness slips unless we are reasonably sure a bill is being called. If a bill is re-posted for another day or a committee canceled, you will have to fill out another witness slip. If you just fill out a bunch of witness slips without knowing whether a bill will be called, it is just a waste of time. Just because a bill is on the committee list does not mean it will actually be called.
On Wednesday, March 18, HB4414 was scheduled for committee. It was not called. The committee was canceled. That means all witness slips that were filed for HB4414 have no value and have to be re-done at the proper time. That is why the ISRA will not send out a call for witness slips unless we know the committee will be scheduled and the bill will be heard.
The action is just beginning, and we will keep you posted.
Litigation Update
Second Amendment Foundation WIN: Post Office Carry Ban Injunction Covers Current And Future Members
March 17, 2026 – Excerpt from our good friends at saf.org .
In a case that has far-reaching implications, a District Court Judge in Texas ruled in favor of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners.
In September, the Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of SAF and declared the carry ban on post office property unconstitutional, enjoining its enforcement against the plaintiffs, including SAF and its members. In response to the ruling, the government filed a motion to limit the scope of the injunction to only the named individual plaintiffs and to members of SAF and its partner organizations.
“This is a huge win for current and future SAF members nationwide,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “There was never a constitutional justification to disarm people who simply need to go to the post office. Despite the government’s attempt to continue to enforce this unconstitutional law against as many people as possible, the court today followed the law and confirmed that all current and future SAF members are covered by the injunction against the enforcement of this ban. If you’re not already, this is a great time to become a SAF member.”
Originally filed in June 2024, the lawsuit challenges the ban on firearms carry in U.S. Post Offices and on postal property. SAF is joined in the case by the Firearms Policy Coalition and two private citizens.
“The truly shocking thing here is that even after a United States District Judge declared this law unconstitutional, the government responded by saying ‘yeah but we want to continue enforcing it against almost everyone,’” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We are heartened by today’s ruling and that the court was not persuaded by the government’s argument. Applying the injunction to all current and future SAF members is consistent with well-settled case law and being included in injunctions like these are one of the best reasons to be a SAF member.”
For more info on the Second Amendment Foundation, CLICK HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Legislative Update
The 2026 Legislative Session is gearing up. We are watching quite a few bills and will keep you updated as information becomes available. The number of bills to be heard this week and the description of the bills is so long that we have provided a link. Please CLICK HERE.
You can find the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Quote Of The Week
“A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.”
– Thomas Jefferson
Get Ready For IGOLD 2026!
IGOLD 2026 is set for April 15, 2026, and we need you in Springfield!
The Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) will be held at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois. Doors open at 10:00 AM. This is your opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands of law-abiding gun owners and send a clear message to lawmakers:
WE WILL DEFEND OUR RIGHTS.
This year matters more than ever. We are behind enemy lines. There is no question about that. When you are behind enemy lines, all like-minded groups must stick together. This includes gun rights groups, hunters, gun collectors, gun shops, gun clubs, shooting ranges, FFLs, manufacturers and YOU.
The so-called “Responsibility in Firearm Legislation” Act (RIFL Act), a bill under consideration in the Illinois House and Senate, would eliminate the sales of new firearms in Illinois by establishing an over-the-top licensing fee for manufacturers to be able to sell firearms to retailers (FFLs) in Illinois. The RIFL Act is the anti-gunner’s dream. If this legislation were to pass, no manufacturer would participate in this scheme. No manufacturers means no merchandise, no more retailers, no more firearms sales. Remember when they said that they are not against hunters, shooting clubs, individual law-abiding gun owners? Well, that was all a lie, all along. That is why IGOLD is so important this year and your participation is crucial!
Remember what Benjamin Franklin said (attributed to him during the signing of the Declaration of Independence): “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Our special guest this year is David McDermott, founder of McDermott Law Group. With over 27 years of courtroom experience and national recognition as a self-defense expert, David brings insight, energy, and a fighter’s spirit. You won’t want to miss his message.
IGOLD began in the early 1990’s as Illinois State Rifle Association Lobby Day, and became IGOLD, Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day, with input and assistance from other gun groups in Illinois. The goal was to put a face on Illinois gun owners. In 2013, more than 8,200 gun owners filled Springfield. One early attendee was Otis McDonald, whose US Supreme Court case, McDonald v Chicago, changed the nation, and helped pave the way for Illinois Conceal Carry. IGOLD proves what happens when we stand together.
Now it’s our turn again.
Please take a moment right now and:
Click the Facebook event link HERE.
Click “Going.”
Click “Invite” and invite all your friends.
Share the event to your profile.
Let’s pack the Bank of Springfield Center.
Set up carpools. Organize your club. Sponsor a bus. Bring family and friends.
Politicians notice numbers. The media notices numbers. And numbers send a message.
We will support those who support our rights. We will oppose those who don’t. And we will never apologize for exercising the freedoms guaranteed to us.
Mark your calendar for April 15, 2026.
Doors open at 10:00 AM.
Springfield, Illinois.
The ISRA will be sponsoring a bus for Southern Illinois. The pickup site will be at the Dairy Queen parking lot, 816 Lehmen Dr., Chester IL 62233. The bus will arrive at 7:00 am and depart for Springfield at 7:15 am. The cost per seat is $30. Please contact Rick Hall at 618-317-1176 to reserve your seat.
Let’s make this the biggest IGOLD yet.
We teach safety. We stand for freedom. We never back down.
See you in Springfield!
To Join or Renew Your ISRA Membership, CLICK HERE.
2026 NRA Illinois State Indoor Pistol Championships – Bullseye
ELGIN ILLINOIS – Elgin Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
405 Ramona Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
9:00 AM, 12:00 & 3:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026
HIGHLAND ILLINOIS – Highland Pistol & Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
At the intersection of Iberg and Bellm Rds., approximately 1.3 miles Southeast of Highland, Illinois, near St. Louis, Mo.
9:00 AM & 11:30 Sunday, March 22, 2026
Match Fees:
Adults $35
Juniors $15
Matches (Standard indoor course of fire):
Rimfire Centerfire
Match #1 20 shots SF Match #6 20 shots SF *
Match #2 20 shots TF Match #7 20 shots TF *
Match #3 20 shots RF Match #8 20 shots RF *
Match #4 30 shots NMC Match #9 30 shots NMC *
Match #5 AGGREGATE Match #10 AGGREGATE
Match #11 Grand Aggregate
Note: Juniors will shoot .22 in the centerfire portion of the match, but
will compete only amongst themselves. An 1800-all-fired with the .22
will determine the junior championship.
If you are unable to make the relay, please notify us 48 hours in advance so another
competitor can take your place. Additional relays will be scheduled only if needed.
Rules: Current NRA pistol rules will govern. Course of fire: Standard indoor course.
*Note for match 6 and slow fire in match 7, only 5 shots will be fired on each target.
Note also that rules (22.1) .22 Caliber Only Aggregate Match. Also, any local range
safety rules will apply, and the deputy match director will be responsible for enforcing
them.
Targets: B-2 slow fire, B3 timed & rapid-fire target. Tuning targets will be used.
Competitors: You do not need to be an NRA member. Competitors must have
equipment that meets all rules and match specifications. All record shots must be fired in
the same relay, i.e., you cannot shoot a 900 in the morning and a 900 in the afternoon or
the next day, etc.
Classification: NRA classifications will be used, and current NRA rules will apply. It is
the competitor’s duty to have their current classification card when entering the
tournament. Unclassified shooters will obtain a temporary score record book from the
match director and shoot in the Master class for the first match.
Awards: A .22 Pistol will be given away at both the Northern and Southern Championship events.
Contacts:
For Elgin Ralph Wilson – rawilson@rawilson.net – 224-828-1322
For Highland John B. LaBusier – jblphoto@yahoo.com – 618-246-6648 (before 9 PM)
Aurora Sportsman’s Club Hosts “Bullseye 101” Class
Are you curious about Bullseye? Wonder what it is? Wonder what it takes to shoot it? The ASC Bullseye Department is hosting a “Bullseye 101” clinic on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This clinic is intended for new-to-Bullseye shooters and will hopefully answer all your questions about the game, equipment, matches, and basic shooting process. The clinic will also include some range time to allow you to practice what you learn as well as get the feel of an actual bullseye match.
The clinic includes:
This clinic is free and open ASC members and invited guests. Shooters of all ages (over 10yrs) and skill levels are encouraged to attend.
Come join us for a fun day!
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
IGOLD Expert Grade M1 Garand Raffle
9 Additional prizes include Glock 43 MOS (3), Glock 42 MOS (1), pistol cases (3), and rifle cases (2)!
Ticket prices:
3 Tickets – $30
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
40 Tickets – $250 85 Tickets – $500
For more Information, CLICK HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
For other questions on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
Gently Used Ruger Mark II Slab Side .22 Pistol Raffle
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $10
3 Tickets – $25
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
For more Information, CLICK HERE. or scan the QR code.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
For other questions on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
NOTICE: Kevin Kanaski – Mag 20 Class Coming up in May!
If interested in attending, please CLICK HERE.
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
March 29 (Sunday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 11:00pm
May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) Kevin Kanaski – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) David Maglio – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00
August 26 – 30 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG80 – ISRA Range, Bonfield (more info TBA)
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
ISRA Members: To view the
Illinois Shooter – Winter 2026, click HERE.
If you would like to donate to us, please click HERE.
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, click HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Tidbits
March 19, 1848 – The famous western American lawman, Wyatt Earp, is born in Monmouth, Illinois. His full name was Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp.
March 19, 1916 – Eight Curtis “Jennys” of the first United States Aero Squadron fly their first combat missions against Mexican revolutionary Poncho Villa. Villa had attacked Columbus, New Mexico, on March 9th, killing 7 Americans. General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing was ordered to pursue him with 7000 troops.
The planes were plagued with mechanical and navigational problems. Nevertheless, American pilots gained valuable experience, which would later be used in World War I over the battlefields of Europe.
March 19, 1918 – Congress approved “Daylight Savings Time”. This was not a new idea. Benjamin Franklin had come up with the idea a long time ago.
March 20, 1345 – The “Black Death” was created by the triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. That is what the scholars at the University of Paris said anyway.
The “Black Death”, otherwise known as the Bubonic Plague, is actually caused by rats carrying fleas and, when the rat dies, the fleas would jump onto the next furry thing. Eventually, the fleas would wind up on the body of a human being, biting them and transmitting the disease to that person.
The city of Kaffa lay at the end of the Silk Road on the Black Sea. This city was an important trade stop and was controlled by the Italian city of Genoa. The Mongols attacked this strategic city and, in doing so, many of them fell ill from the Black Plague. Before leaving, the Mongols catapulted dead victims of the plague over the walls to infect the Genoan defenders.
The Black Plague was a scourge across the globe over a long period of time. It most likely came aboard trading ships from the Black Sea to Sicily, and then to the rest of Italy, and eventually most of Europe. The death rates were about 50% and it devastated the European population.
March 20, 1854 – The Republican Party is founded in Ripon, Wisconsin. There have been 17 Republican presidents. The Republican Party is also known as the “GOP”. Originally, that stood for “Gallant Old Party” but was eventually replaced by “Grand Old Party”. The elephant became the Party’s symbol in 1874.
March 21, 1871 – Newspaper man, Henry Morton Stanley, began his search for Dr. David Livingstone. Stanley worked for the New York Herald newspaper. The editor of the New York Herald, James Gordon Bennett, Jr., wanted to promote his paper, so he sent Stanley to find Livingstone, who had not been heard from for six years.
Stanley set out from Zanzibar, with 2000 men, for the interior of Africa. The area was unexplored at the time and no one knew what they would find. Stanley contracted dysentery, cerebral malaria and small pox.
After eight months, Stanley finally found Livingstone on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and uttered the famous line “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?” Livingston had been searching for the origin of the Nile River before Stanley found him. Livingstone would die 18 months later in Zambia. Stanley would eventually return to Africa to find the source of the Nile River, which was, by the way, Lake Victoria. I don’t know why he didn’t just Google it.
March 22, 1894 – The first Stanley Cup game was played in Montreal, Canada. The Stanley Cup was a creation of Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, an English nobleman.
March 22, 1765 – The British impose the Stamp Act on the American colonists. The imposition of this tax was one of many causes that led to the Revolutionary War. This was about taxation without representation. Since then, we have found that taxation WITH representation isn’t such a great thing either.
March 22, 1933 – Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Beer and Wine Revenue Act. This was a tax on all alcoholic beverages to raise money for the federal government and gave the option to the States to regulate wine and beer.
In December 1933, the 21st Amendment would be passed which would officially end prohibition.
March 23, 1775 – Patrick Henry gave a speech before the second Virginia Convention. Henry’s response to the increasingly oppressive British rule over the American Colonies was – “I know what course other may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Patriots like Henry meant what they said!
March 23, 1857 – Elisha Otis installed the first commercial elevator in a New York department store. The elevator was steam powered and traveled at 40 feet per minute. It was pulled up by a rope but had a safety catch just in case the rope broke.
March 24, 1943 – G.I. Joe becomes the most decorated homing pigeon in military history. G.I. Joe flew 20 miles in 20 minutes to save a battalion of British troops from being bombed. G.I. Joe was much more reliable than the mail. People often wonder what the term “G.I.” means. It stands for “General Issue” or “Government Issue”.
March 24, 1958 – The “King of Rock ‘N’ Roll” was inducted into the United States Army. To his credit, Elvis simply reported for duty, put on his uniform and served his time in the Army. He did his duty and was a sergeant at the end of his enlistment.
Gun Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleville, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 18 – April 19, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
April 18, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
April 19, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
May 16 – May 17, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept. 19 – Sept. 20, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Other Events
March 20, 21 & 22, 2026 The Illinois Deer Classic, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria , IL. Come visit us – the ISRA will have a booth!
April 11, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – 4th Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Madison County – 1st Wednesday of the month – Piasa Armory, 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd., East Alton, IL; Doors open at 6:15pm; Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 14459 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Visit: isra.org/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
PO Box 637
420 E Locust St
Chatsworth Illinois 60921
USA
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