
The Illinois House early Friday morning passed a bill banning “assault weapons,” raising the age to legally own a gun and restricting magazine sizes.
House Bill 5855, also called the Protect Illinois Communities Act, makes it illegal to manufacture, deliver, sell, or purchase high-powered weapons.
The bill also prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase or possession of “large-capacity” ammunition-feeding devices, which hold more than 12 rounds.
The bill amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act by eliminating provisions that permit a person under 21 years of age, who is not an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard, to obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card with parental consent.
The state’s firearms restraining order law was modified in the bill to allow the petitioner to request a one-year order rather than six months.
Illinois residents who already possess “assault weapons” will be required to register them with the Illinois State Police within 300 days of the law going into effect.
The bill also adds specific language that the Illinois State Police can conduct investigations of human trafficking, illegal drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking.
HB 5855 was advanced out of a committee on Thursday and sent to the Illinois House.
The Illinois House passed the measure early Friday morning, which means it will be sent to the state Senate to be voted on.
Governor JB Pritzker issued a statement after the passage of the bill, saying that lawmakers and advocates have been “hard at work” negotiating the legislation to keep residents safe.
“Tonight, with the leadership and support of Speaker Welch, the Illinois House passed critical reproductive health protections and an assault weapons ban,” Pritzker said.
“The people of Illinois send us to Springfield to tackle tough issues and these bills are historic steps in the right direction. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Illinois Senate to get bills addressing these issues to my desk so I can sign them as soon as possible,” he added.
The weapons ban bill was introduced by Illinois House Rep. Bob Morgan, who covers the 58th District, which covers North Shore towns including Highland Park.
The Highland Park parade shooting on July 4 was the primary motivation for lawmakers to pass HB 5855.
83 rounds were fired by a gunman armed with a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle. Seven people were killed and dozens of others were shot.
“This is a huge step forward—and it couldn’t have happened without the incredible volunteers and leaders who pushed us forward. But we’re not done yet. On to the Senate!” Morgan said in a statement.