Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride '81 is urging lower-court judges to comply with laws mandating they promptly notify state police after deeming someone mentally unsound, telling them compliance is all the more critical amid gun control debates and in the wake of "gun-related tragedies."

The memo, dated May 7, comes as a federal court's June 9 deadline looms for Illinois to adopt legislation allowing for public possession of weapons. It also follows the December slayings of 20 children and six adults in a Newtown, Connecticut, school, which reignited a national debate about gun laws.

"This issue has received heightened scrutiny in light of recent gun-related tragedies and the current concealed carry debate," Kilbride wrote. He does not refer to any specific shooting.