Illinois Lawmakers Override Governor's Attempt to Grab Guns

by
posted on December 14, 2012
sinews.jpg (225)

The Illinois House of Representatives has followed the lead of the state Senate to decisively override Gov. Pat Quinn's attempt ban certain types of firearms through the use of an "amendatory veto" of a bill originally drafted to permit the mail-order purchase of ammunition from in-state companies.

Last week, the House voted 78-28 to derail what was largely viewed as the Governor's backdoor attempt to implement constraints on the sale of certain semi-automatic rifles in the state. On Nov. 28, the Senate, led by bill sponsor Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville), soundly rejected Quinn's attempt by a 46 to 4 vote.

In August, the Democratic incumbent governor flexed his Amendatory Veto power, effectively rewriting Luechtefeld's bill to permit residents to purchase mail-order ammunition from in-state vendors, adding language prohibiting the manufacture, possession, delivery or sale of commonly owned semi-automatic firearms used for hunting, recreational shooting and personal protection.

Quinn's proposal specifically would have banned the AK-47, AR-15 and Tec-9 and created a de facto statewide registration scheme for currently owned firearms and magazines.

In rejecting Quinn's firearms ban, Senate Bill 681 will allow Illinois residents to purchase ammunition from businesses within or outside Illinois by mail or private shipment. The purchaser of ammunition will be required provide the seller with a copy of his or her valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card and either a valid driver's license or state identification card.

In the past, Illinois residents could only have ammunition shipped if it was purchased from out-of-state suppliers, effectively denying revenue to in-state vendors and retailers.

"Today is a good day for the Second Amendment in Illinois. We have scored a victory against short-sighted Chicago anti-gun policies," Sen. Luechtefeld said. "The Governor overstepped his reach when he decided to rewrite this Senate bill and impose an assault weapons ban without the measure first being heard by the legislature."

The new law will take effect July 1, 2013.

Latest

Streamlight Stinger 2020 S Flashlight
Streamlight Stinger 2020 S Flashlight

First Look: Streamlight Stinger 2020 S Flashlight

Now available with a swappable, rechargeable battery pack.

First Look: Faxon ADJ Gas Block

Easily adjust your settings for suppressed to unsuppressed use.

Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Selects Night Fision Sights

The Optics Ready Stealth Series sights feature tritium vials that carry domed lenses optically engineered for superior visibility.

Review: PWS UXR Rifle

One rifle to rule them all?

First Look: High Speed Gear Gen2 Operator Belt

Equipped with MOLLE slots and an inner and outer belt for flexibility.

First Look: Davidson’s Exclusive Model 20 Revolver

Chambered in .357 Mag. rather than the original .38/44.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.