Act Daily News
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Illinois’ Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed laws that enacts an in depth ban on firearms in addition to high-capacity magazines within the state.
The new legislation caps the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines, bans “switches” that enable handguns to fireplace rounds robotically and “extends the ability of courts to prevent dangerous individuals from possessing a gun through firearm restraining orders,” the governor’s workplace stated in a news launch.
The ban goes into impact instantly and won’t require those that at present personal such weapons to relinquish them, although individuals who already possess semi-automatic rifles might be required to register their possession.
“No Illinoisan, no matter their zip code, should have to go through life fearing their loved one could be the next in an ever-growing list of victims of mass shootings. However, for too long, people have lived in fear of being gunned down in schools, while worshipping, at celebrations or in their own front yards,” Pritzker stated in a assertion. “This legislation will stop the spread of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches and make our state a safer place for all.”
The invoice handed in a 34-20 vote within the state’s Senate on Monday and 68-41 within the House Tuesday, largely alongside get together traces, earlier than heading to Pritzker’s desk. Both chambers are managed by Democrats.
“This assault weapons ban is a step in the right direction, to improve safety for Illinois’ families and law enforcement but there’s no magic fix, no single law that will end gun violence once and for all. So, we must keep fighting, voting and protesting to ensure future generations will only have to read about massacres like Highland Park, Sandy Hook or Uvalde in their history books,” Pritzker stated on Tuesday.
In the Highland Park capturing, which befell at a Fourth of July parade within the Chicago suburb final yr, the suspect allegedly fired greater than 70 rounds right into a crowd, killing seven folks and injuring dozens extra. The high-powered rifle that was used within the capturing was described by authorities as “similar to an AR-15” and was legally bought.
Several Republicans objected to the brand new legislation. State Rep. Dave Severin issued a assertion during which he particularly criticized the registration requirement and supported authorized challenges, whereas one other consultant, Charlie Meier, stated the laws “won’t prevent gang violence from occurring in our cities, however, it will unfortunately diminish law-abiding gun owners the right to protect themselves and their family at home.”
Pritzker, who marked the beginning of his second gubernatorial time period with Tuesday’s ban, has additionally signed laws previously to fight gun violence.
In May 2022, the governor signed HB 4383, which prohibits people from promoting or possessing so-called “ghost guns,” self-assembled firearms usually put along with elements bought on-line, and ensures all firearms are serialized, permitting legislation enforcement to raised hint them.
Pritzker later signed HB4729 in June of final yr, which requires the Department of Public Health to develop and implement a two-year public consciousness marketing campaign centered on secure gun storage.