Law Prohibits Sale of 170+ Firearms, Allows Existing Owners to Register
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping ban on assault weapons, prohibiting the sale of nearly 170 firearms classified as such under the Protect Illinois Communities Act. The legislation, passed by the state's Democratic-controlled legislature, bans the sale and distribution of specific pistols, shotguns, and rifles, including AR-15s, as well as "high capacity magazines" and "switches" that can convert handguns to fully automatic fire. Illinois residents who already own banned weapons may retain them but must register the firearms with authorities by Jan. 1, 2024, or risk a Class 2 Felony charge for noncompliance.
Legal Challenges and Enforcement Resistance Emerge
The law has already drawn fierce opposition from state law enforcement and gun rights groups. More than two dozen Illinois sheriffs, including McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman, have publicly stated they will not enforce the ban. "This bill puts us in a bind on the oath we took as sheriffs to uphold the Constitution and constitution of Illinois," Tadelman told Chicago's ABC 7. The Illinois State Rifle Association and other organizations are preparing lawsuits, citing a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down New York's restrictions on concealed handgun carry. In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the Court established a new standard requiring firearm regulations to align with "this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation." Justice Clarence Thomas authored the majority opinion, which emphasized that modern attitudes toward gun rights cannot override constitutional guarantees.The Biden administration praised the law, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating President Biden "commends the leadership" shown by Pritzker in taking "bold action to keep weapons of war off America's streets." State Republicans, however, argue the law is unenforceable. "I don't think the majority of gun owners are going to register, and I'm not sure who's going to round them all up," said state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer. Dan Eldridge, a board member at the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois, predicted the law would face swift legal defeat, vowing to challenge additional restrictions once courts rule.