The Illinois House and Senate have both passed a bill that bans the future sale of certain semi-automatic guns and various capacity magazines. The measure now heads to the governor to sign into law.
Senate Amendments to House Bill 5471 bans the future sale of about 100 different semi-automatic pistols, shotguns and rifles.
The sale of long gun magazines with more than 10 rounds and handgun magazines with more than 15 rounds are prohibited under the bill.
Already owned guns would have to be registered with the Illinois State Police by January 2024.
Non-compliance with the registration could lead to a Class 2 felony.
Possession of magazines above the limits would result in a petty offense and a fine of $1,000 for each violation.
State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, expects the measure to be struck down in the courts.
“You’ve got to know that the actions that you are taking right now are tyrannous,” Bailey said. “You also must know that I and millions of other gun owners in this state will not comply.”
While the House and Senate have passed it, the bill still awaits Governor JB Pritzker’s signature. Pritzker previously indicated he would sign it.
State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, said she and her constituents in Highland Park are still rebuilding after seven people were killed by a suspect with a semi-automatic rifle in the Independence Day parade last year.
“I ask each of you to picture your child, your partner, your parents and then vote on this like their lives depend on it. They do,” she said.
State Sen. Neil Anderson expects a legal challenge and an immediate stay on implementation if the measure is approved with an immediate effective date.
Anderson said it is a violation of elected officials’ oath to support the bill because the bill violates the Second Amendment.
“All of us are going to raise our right hand [Wednesday with the 103rd General Assembly] and pledge an oath to uphold the constitution of Illinois and the constitution of the United States,” Anderson said.
“All of you thinking about voting for this today, you should resign,” Anderson said.
Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, expects a legal battle.
“I look forward to working with our partners in the House [Tuesday] and putting this on the governor’s desk,” Harmon said. “We’ll see you in court.”
The modified measure passed the Senate 34-20 on Monday.
It was sent to the House where it passed 68-41 on Tuesday — the final day of lame-duck session in Springfield.
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering applauded the passage of the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
“Banning assault weapons has proven to be effective at curbing gun violence, as shown by the ten-year Federal Assault Weapons ban that expired in 2004. While we know that no town or county is an island and appreciate that this state-wide ban will make it that much harder for someone with horrible intentions to obtain a combat weapon, neither is a state,” Rotering said.
“This important step taken by our IL legislators sends a clear message to other states and the Federal government that we need continued bold action to address mass shootings across our nation. We urge them to continue their work towards protecting all Americans’ rights to live free from fear of gun violence,” Rotering added.
Lake and McHenry County Scanner and The Center Square both contributed to this report.