Illinois lawmakers got an earful Tuesday during a state legislative hearing on proposals to ban so-called “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines.”
Gun rights advocates told the House Judiciary Committee the effort will make criminals of law-abiding citizens. Earlier this month, according to WLS News, Democrats announced they were “moving ahead” with their gun prohibition plans, and the hearing demonstrated not everyone agrees.
According to the Chicago Tribune, veteran gun rights lobbyist Todd Vandermyde suggested such restrictions will lead to “civil disobedience” because many gun owners won’t comply because they see a ban as a violation of their Second Amendment-protected right to keep and bear arms.
The furor is over HB 5855, dubbed the “Protect Illinois Communities Act,” but referred to by the Illinois State Rifle Association as the “Surrender to Criminals that don’t Follow the Law Act.”
Another tenet of the legislation would prohibit anyone under age 21 from getting a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card.
: “Eliminates provisions that permit a person under 21 years of age who is not an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard to obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card with parental consent.
“Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that when a person under 21 years of age is hunting under the supervision of an adult, the adult must possess a Firearm Owners Identification Card.
“Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Provides that the State’s Attorney of the county where the petition is filed may act as a friend of the court in any action filed under the Act. Provides that a petitioner may request a one-year (rather than 6-month) firearms restraining order.
“Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, deliver, sell, or purchase or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, or purchased or cause to be possessed by another, an assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge. Makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge 300 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, except possession of weapons registered with the Illinois State Police in the time provided. Provides exemptions and penalties.
“Prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines terms. Provides exemptions and penalties. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.”
The Chicago Tribune quoted John Weber from the National Rifle Association, asserting the term “assault weapon” was manufactured by gun control advocates to essentially demonize AR-15-type rifles. He told the committee, “The legislation will not work because it’s been tried and failed. More importantly, this bill’s dangerous and places an undue constitutional burden on a person’s ability to provide for their self-defense.”
One state lawmaker, Democrat Rep. Kathleen Willis, was also quoted by the Tribune article stating, “Where do we draw the line as to what firepower the average citizen can carry? We’ve heard testimony upon testimony about large magazine capacity. Now, I will certainly be open to discussion as to what constitutes large. Is it eight? Is it 10? Is it 15?”
Her position is that there have to be some restrictions.
