On Friday morning, the Illinois House of Representatives passed an amended ban on high-powered weapons and large-capacity magazines.
Assault weapons legislation swiftly made its way to the full House and was ultimately passed with a 64–43 vote following late-night debate.
Dozens of firearms that the state classifies as assault weapons would be prohibited under the proposed legislation.
The Highland Park mass shooting prompted the Illinois legislature to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
As soon as it becomes law, this bill will put an end to the sale of assault weapons and provide a 300-day grace period for the endorsement of legacy weapons on FOID cards. Those currently serving in law enforcement or who have retired from the force under certain conditions would be exempt.
Ammunition magazines holding more than 12 rounds would also be banned from sale immediately. There will be a grace period of 90 days to complete the magazine conversion, disposal, and transfer.
The legislation would also make it illegal to convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully-automatic one and establish criminal penalties for doing so.
Together with the Department of Justice and the ATF, the Illinois State Police would form a statewide strike force to stop the trafficking of illegal firearms into the state.
The bill also increases the maximum length of time a Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) can be in effect from six months to a year.
Attending Governor JB Pritzker issued a statement following the vote that read in part, “These bills are historic developments in the right direction for the people of Illinois, who sent us to Springfield to solve difficult problems. I am excited to work with my Senate colleagues in Illinois to speed these important bills to my desk for signature.”
Among the many people who supported the bill was Representative Barbara Hernandez, who said things like, “As we remember families who lost dads, moms, children and others due to gun violence and those who are survivors, we today passed policy that will work on preventing any other tragedies from happening in our state.”
Republican detractors have argued that the bill is too sweeping in its prohibition of firearms, including many that are used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.
“You are turning legal gun owners with this bill into felons,” said State Representative C.D. David Meyer, (R) 100th District.
Second Amendment advocates have pledged to challenge this decision in court on the grounds that the legislation being proposed violates their constitutional rights.
Existing owners of listed firearms have 300 days to register them with the Illinois State Police.
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