Democratic governor J.B. Pritzker (Ill.) on Tuesday signed one of the most extensive weapon bans in the country, outlawing the sale of nearly 170 so-called assault weapons.
The "Protect Illinois Communities Act" bans the sale and distribution of certain pistols, shotguns, and rifles including AR-15s. The law, which passed through the state's Democratic legislature, also bans "high capacity magazines" and "switches" that can make handguns fully automatic.
Illinoisans can keep weapons that fall under the ban if they already own them but must register the weapons by Jan. 1, 2024—or face a Class 2 Felony for failing to provide authorities the location of their "weapon of war."
The law has sparked immediate backlash among state law enforcement: More than two dozen sheriffs across the state say they will not enforce the law.
"This bill puts us in a bind on the oath we took as sheriffs to uphold the Constitution and constitution of Illinois," McHenry County sheriff Robb Tadelman told Chicago's ABC 7.
Illinois is now the ninth state to ban "assault weapons"—but its new law could soon face legal challenges in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down New York's restrictions on concealed handgun carry. New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, whose majority opinion was authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, also created a new test for Second...
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