Illinois teenagers soon may be able to purchase firearms without parental consent if a piece of legislation can get enough support from state lawmakers.

A law making its way through state legislature would allow 18-year-olds to sign for their own Firearms Owner’s Identification Cards. Previously, the age limit was 21, or 18 with a parent’s consent.

The bill passed in the House of Representatives in late March and was sent back to the Senate to be ruled upon, where amendments are possible.

State Sen. Brad Burzynski (R-Sycamore) supports the change but said he thinks the bill should be narrowed. As it reads, the change would allow 18-year-olds to have FOID cards, which would allow them to purchase rifles and shotguns. Handguns would remain restricted to those 21 and over. Burzynski said he thinks the bill should be amended to include only those 18-year-olds with formal training, such as those in the military.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has the final say on the issue, has gone on the record with similar sentiments as Burzynski. Blagojevich has said he only would support the bill if it barred 18-year-olds from purchasing assault-style weapons.

Assault weapons have been a point of controversy with the bill because some think they can be used to cause bodily harm, particularly in urban areas. The entire issue has split legislators from rural and urban areas somewhat, Burzynski said.

State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley) also has said he supports the bill. Pritchard said the bill mostly would benefit hunters or other people who plan to use rifles legally. He added that people who plan to use guns illegally likely would not follow FOID laws.

“There are some concerns that people have that criminals would be less likely to use [guns] if this passed,” Pritchard said. “[Criminals] will find ways to hurt other citizens.”