Illinois Gun Owners Get Relief The burdensome Illinois Firearm Owner Identification Card requirement for state gun owners had gotten bogged down in a 50-day backlog, causing some gun owners to involuntarily be in violation of state law. The Illinois State Rifle Association called for an investigation into the delays, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, following widespread complaints, announced last week the state would immediately hire part-time workers in an attempt to eliminate the backlog.