Controversial Ban Faces Legal Battle
The Illinois assault weapon ban, signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, has been upheld by the Supreme Court. The ban includes penalties for individuals who possess or sell assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles, or any attachments that increase the fire rate of semiautomatic weapons. It also imposes restrictions on the purchase of certain magazines. Although the law will remain in effect during litigation, its fate will ultimately be decided in lower courts.
Gun Rights Advocates Vow to Fight
The National Association for Gun Rights, in a statement, expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating that the enforcement of these gun bans infringes on individual freedom. They have announced their plans to return to the Supreme Court by filing a cert petition as soon as their legal team completes the drafting process. The association believes that the court should consider the implications of their previous rulings in the Heller and Bruen cases.
Prior Challenges and Exceptions
This is not the first time the law has faced legal challenges. In November, a request to block the ban was denied by a 7th District U.S. Court of Appeals panel. Furthermore, in a 4-3 decision, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law in August. However, individuals who possessed firearms that would be banned under the law prior to its enactment can still keep them if they are registered with the state before January 1, 2024.
Note: The information in this article is sourced from the Associated Press.