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House Bill 5855 from state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, would
redefine dozens of different types of rifles, pistols and
shotguns as “assault weapons.” If approved, anyone who owns them
would have 300 days to register them with state police. All
future sales would be prohibited.
The measure also would prohibit possession of magazines with
over 10 rounds. Morgan reacted to some who worry that would turn
many Illiniosans into felons overnight.
“The effort in the legislation, the intent is really to stop the
future sales, but of course I recognize, and the working group
recognizes, all of these devices and these weapons, they exist
in Illinois today,” Morgan said. “So it is really thinking about
it in a prospective way instead of penalizing those who
purchased them legally in Illinois.”
The measure would also prohibit anyone under 21 from getting a
Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.
John Boch, executive director of the group Guns Save Life, said
he’ll file a lawsuit if it's ever enacted.
“My two boys … would have their FOID cards revoked, even though
they’ve done nothing wrong and neither have I,” Boch said.
There would be carve outs for people under 21 who are enlisted
in the armed services or for those who are with an adult
hunting, Morgan said.
“I think this is an appropriate suggestion to raise the age to
21,” he said. “In terms of the courts, if we listened to every
fear mongering threat from the [National Rifle Association]
about what’s constitutional, we would have legalized fully
automatic weapons and hand grenades.”
The measure will be heard in a House committee at 11 a.m.
Monday. The public can follow along at the House Video/Audio
page at ILGA.gov. Another hearing is scheduled for noon
Thursday.
Lawmakers return for possible bill passage Jan. 4. Morgan aims
to get the measure approved by Jan. 10.
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and other issues for
The Center Square. Bishop has years of award-winning broadcast
experience and hosts the WMAY Morning Newsfeed out of
Springfield.
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