CHICAGO - A new Illinois law will make it easier for first-time, nonviolent offenders facing the lowest-level gun possession charges to obtain a firearms license.

What we know:

Gov. JB Pritzker this week signed Senate Bill 1899, a measure championed by Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke and sponsored by State Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago).

The law allows eligible offenders to apply for a FOID card during a court-approved diversion program, rather than waiting until after completing it. Once all program requirements are met, applicants can receive their FOID without additional delay.

Currently, once a person finishes such a program, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office "typically dismisses charges in nonviolent, stra

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