The Illinois House is expected to vote Tuesday on an amended version of the state Senate’s assault weapons bill, which was passed Monday night.
Gov. JB Pritzker certainly had reason to celebrate, as he danced the night away at his Inaugural Gala Monday, which featured a special performance by Bruno Mars.
Only hours before the Senate vote, Pritzker took the oath of office for a second term, declaring that stricter gun laws are a top priority, with the big push coming six months after the Highland Park shooting.
“When I campaigned for reelection and promised to pass an assault weapons ban, eight states already had one, very soon, Illinois must be the ninth,” Pritzker said.
However, the passage was not without controversy.
“Here we are today. We’re gonna make felons out of taxpayers,” said Republican state Sen. Chapin Rose.
The Senate bill differs from the House bill in terms of which high-capacity magazines would be prohibited. It would be for long guns with more than ten rounds. Handguns with more than 15 rounds are prohibited.
“This will not solve the problem, but this is absolutely a step in the right direction,” Senate President Don Harmon said.
The bill will now be considered by the Illinois House. They will reconvene at noon on Tuesday.
Pritzker has stated that if it is approved, he will sign it into law.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot praised the bill’s progress.
“I haven’t read the bill, like I said the devil’s in the details, but at least in the broad strokes, I think this is significant and important progress,” Lightfoot said.
The bill received unanimous support Monday night from the governor, House Speaker, and Senate President.
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