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Gun rights groups plan lawsuits if Illinois lawmakers pass new restrictions on ‘assault weapons’

(The Center Square) – As lawmakers contemplate a proposal to outlaw the sale of semi-automatic weapons and magazines of 10 rounds or more in Illinois, the governor is bracing for expected lawsuits. Gov. J.B. Pritzker campaigned on banning the sale of certain types of guns like AR-15 rifles. A proposed bill that achieves that was […]

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Illinois health director recommends residents wear masks as state sees ‘significant rise’ of COVID-19

Illinois health officials say the state is experiencing a “significant rise” of counties at elevated risk for COVID-19 and are recommending residents wear masks. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are continuing to rise across Illinois following the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH said the anticipated “post-holiday surge” […]

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Gov. Pritzker says he supports ‘assault weapons’ ban in Illinois, hopes lawmakers pass it in first half of 2023

Gov. JB Pritzker said he supports a proposed Illinois ban on “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines and says he hopes the legislation will be passed in the first half of 2023. Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) introduced House Bill 5855, dubbed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, on December 1. Morgan represents Illinois House District […]

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Court hearing on legal challenge to ending cash bail in Illinois delayed after amendments passed

(The Center Square) – After lawmakers approved amendments to the SAFE-T Act that eliminates cash bail in Illinois, a lawsuit challenging the measure’s implementation has been delayed until later this month. State lawmakers recently passed amendments to the sweeping criminal justice reform legislation that abolishes cash bail starting January 1. The amendments add a slew […]

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Illinois legislators and advocates push for resources to address fentanyl overdoses

(The Center Square) – State lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more awareness and resources, along with harsher penalties for drug dealers, to address the dangers of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. The precursors for the drug have origins in […]

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Lawmakers introduce bill that would ban ‘assault weapons,’ raise age for gun ownership in Illinois

Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines and prevent most residents under the age of 21 from owning guns in Illinois. Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) introduced House Bill 5855, dubbed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, on Thursday. Morgan represents Illinois House District 58, which includes towns like […]

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New law going into effect January 1 will require all homes in Illinois to have 10-year smoke detectors

A new state law going into effect will require smoke alarms installed in Illinois homes after January 1 to have a ten-year sealed battery, officials said. Public Act 100-0200 was passed by lawmakers in 2017 to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act. The updates reflect “advances in technology.” Beginning January 1, any new smoke alarm […]

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State’s attorneys ask Illinois Supreme Court to consolidate dozens of SAFE-T Act lawsuits

After over 50 state’s attorneys filed lawsuits against Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, a motion has been filed asking the Illinois Supreme Court to consider consolidating the lawsuits. The criminal justice legislation makes Illinois the first state in the country to abolish cash bail on January 1. At least 55 counties are going to court claiming the […]

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Gov. JB Pritzker issues executive order recommending Illinois residents wear masks again

Governor JB Pritzker issued an executive order on Friday recommending Illinois residents, including those who are vaccinated, to wear masks in accordance with CDC guidance. Pritzker’s previous orders said that anyone who was not fully vaccinated should wear a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. His […]