SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Democrats are moving ahead with their plan to ban assault weapons in Illinois. They have now filed legislation in the House and are looking to move quickly on the bill.
But gun rights groups are already planning legal challenges.
The proposed legislation would not only ban the future sale of assault weapons, but also high-capacity magazines. Those kinds of weapons were used to wreak havoc on communities, like Highland Park.
Just five months after the tragic shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade that killed 7 and wounded dozens more, Democrats are pushing a state-wide ban on assault weapons, like the AR-15 used in that attack.
RELATED: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering on mission to ban assault weapons as community struggles to heal
“These are weapons designed to kill as many people as possible, and we need to take them off the streets. We need to take them out of circulation,” said bill sponsor State Rep Bob Morgan, (D) Highwood.
Liz Turnipseed still walks with a cane after taking a bullet to her pelvis at the parade. She is now part of a group called the Highland Park Gun Violence Project.
“This legislation is just incredibly important. Had this been in place on July 4, I wouldn’t have been shot,” Turnipseed said.
The proposed law would ban the future sale of assault weapons.
Those who currently own then would have to register them with Illinois State Police.
RELATED: Senators unveil text of bipartisan deal on gun violence, setting up speedy vote
The law would also ban the sale of magazines with more than ten bullets in them, as well as raise the age for FOID cards to 21 for all guns.
“As a dealer and as a human being, I find the criminal misuse of firearms abhorrent. Unfortunately, this will do nothing to address the criminal misuse of firearms,” said Dan Eldridge, the owner of Maxon Shooter’s Supplies.
Eldridge said the assault weapons ban is unconstitutional and the ban on magazines with more than 10 rounds would cause huge problems.
“Virtually, every full size pistol has a magazine capacity of 15 to 20 rounds. You’re talking about millions and millions of magazines,” Eldridge said.
RELATED: Illinois State Police seize guns from more than 1K residents with revoked FOID cards
Supporters of the proposed law conceded Highland Park’s ban on assault weapons did not prevent that tragedy but believe a state-wide ban could still stop similar shootings.
“Being able to get a gun and do a mass shooting, a lot of times it’s just about proximity and if you have to leave the state to go do it, you’ve got time to think about it. Maybe it doesn’t happen ,” said Kathleen Stances, the president and CEO of Gun Violence Prevention PAC.
Lawmakers return to Springfield in January and Represented Morgan is hoping to get this legislation passed before the new general assembly is sworn in.
Gun rights groups are already planning legal challenges.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All rights reserved.
