Abigail Cahak and Ronald J. Kramer have just put out an important Client Alert that provides an update and a link to the recent Illinois State Police Department guidance on signage required under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

The Department press release included a template of an approved sign for use on private property.  Consistent with that Act, the 4 inch x 6 inch sign includes a white background, no text (except for a reference to the relevant Illinois Code section), and a depiction of a handgun with a red circle and slash across it. The Department has also proposed administrative rules (37 Ill. Reg. 15859) which would allow the posting of a larger sign, as well as the inclusion of additional language.

In view of Federal OSHA’s emphasis enforcement program to protect employees against the hazard of workplace violence there is now added impetus to develop an effective concealed firearm policy as part of a Company’s workplace violation prevention and response policy. Clearly the presence of firearms can present a hazard of workplace violence. Additional background on the Firearm Concealed Carry Act can be found in our earlier blog.

Employers should bear in mind that the law will impact the ability of both their employees and customers to carry concealed weapons on to their premises. Now is the time to update your policies and procedures to address the new concealed carry law as it impacts your business. Company policies can be tailored to prohibit weapons on company properties or while doing company business. To the extent your business leases property, management should work with the property owners to agree upon an appropriate policy.