Illinois House passes 4 gun control measures

Democrats prevailed in the lower chamber of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday, sending one gun control bill to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk and three to the Senate for further consideration.

Headed to Rauner, a Republican, is a long-stalled Senate proposal to require additional licensing for gun stores in the Land of Lincoln. The trio of bills booted up to the Senate aims to ban bump stocks, establish a 72-hour waiting period for commonly owned semi-automatic rifles, and up the age to buy guns characterized as “assault weapons” to 21.

The licensing bill, SB 1657, has been kicking around Springfield for over a year and has been a hot-topic item among Second Amendment advocates in the state. As for gun control groups, they feel the proposed $1,000 five-year state permitting process for already federally-licensed gun dealers will help stop illegal guns from making it to the streets.

“The illegal trafficking of firearms in Illinois causes too many communities to experience heartache and pain,” said former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who is calling on Rauner to sign the bill. “Today, elected officials on both sides of the aisle had the courage to step up and act.”

The legislation passed 64-52

Headed to the Senate are:

HB 1465, which would push the minimum age to buy semi-auto rifles, magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and .50 caliber rifles to age 21. The measure advanced on a 64-51 vote.

HB 1467, to establish a ban on bump stocks and trigger cranks. The National Rifle Association argues the definitions in the bill are “broad and vague” and could wind up outlawing competition guns and even antiques such as Gatling guns, making those who possess them suddenly liable for criminal charges. The bill passed 83-31 with broad support.

HB 1468, which would establish at least a 72-hour wait for those buying “assault weapons” or guns chambered in .50-caliber BMG. Currently, the state has a waiting period on handguns only. The measure was greenlighted 79-37.

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